|
|
(photo by LaToya T. Graddy)
Construction continues on Building A. |
|
|
How many times has someone asked you, ‘‘Where did you park today?” or ‘‘Were you able to park in the garage today?” As of late the answer to those questions vary little from one person to the next.
With ongoing construction from the mandated Base Realignment and Closure project, parking at the National Naval Medical Center is fast becoming a coveted luxury. So what’s being done about it? According to Jeff Miller, transportation program manager here, various options are being studied for immediate and long-term solutions to the current parking issues.
One such option, which can have a positive impact immediately and in the long-term, is vanpooling. According to one company’s promotional material, one vanpool can replace as many as 14 parking vehicles on the campus. With other potential transparent benefits, to both personnel and the command, such as improved morale and productivity, reduced stress, lower commuting expenses, minimal to no impact on local traffic congestion, improved community relations and so on, there is no doubt as to why vanpooling is one of the top options on the list of solutions.
So much so the command is hosting several one-hour Vanpooling Information Sessions on Monday at 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; and Tuesday at 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. in the Clark Auditorium in Building 10. A local vanpool company will present information, in addition to those mentioned previously, on why vanpooling makes sense, benefits to vanpooling and available services.
According to Miller, who discussed the topic at the weekly NNMC Town Hall Meeting, vanpools consist of seven or more people who share a ride in a prearranged van that could be owned or leased by the riders. It is a cost effective alternative that allows employees to have a hassle-free and convenient commute. In addition, employees who vanpool are able to use their drive time more productively.
Because parking will most likely continue to be very limited for the duration of the BRAC project, personnel are highly encouraged to use other modes of commuting such as mass transit, rideshare, biking, or walking. Personnel can pick up more information on other commuting options at the literature racks located in Building 9, Floor 1, or call Jeff Miller at 301-319-4897.
Editor’s note: To read about other topics covered at the Town Hall Meeting, read What’s hot in BRAC? Or, visit the BRAC Web site at www.bethesda.med.navy.mil⁄ Professional⁄Public_Affairs⁄BRAC⁄index.aspx.
E-Mail This Article
Print This Story