With gas prices steadily rising, Naval Station Everett has continued to push for more Sailors and civilians to use the
Transportation Incentive Program (TIP) in order to save money.
TIP is a transportation fringe benefit program that offers qualified Federal employees assistance with commuting costs
incurred through the use of mass transportation and van pools, to be excluded from taxable wages and compensation,
not to exceed the maximum level set by law.
According to Electronics Technician 2nd Class Lance Hollick, NAVSTA Everett TIP coordinator, the program provides an
opportunity to bypass the pump and still get to work on time.
“Whatever you put in your gas tank to drive to and from work is money wasted, as the government will subsidize up to
$115 per month,” said Hollick. “You have to travel over 100 miles one way before that subsidy would cost you out of your
pocket in a van pool of 14 people. Take a bus to and from work, and fill up for weekend driving or after work driving only.”
Hollick also said that usage of the TIP program is up substantially over the past six months, with 129 signed up for the
program as of June 23.
“The number of participants in the program is up from 94 in March and 81 in December,” he said. “The program is growing
and I am getting more and more bus riders, as that is the easiest to change and implement, whereas a van pool takes a little
bit more time and work to get into.”
For some, eschewing their own vehicle for public transit is a major lifestyle change. However, with experts predicting gas prices
rising even further, a lifestyle change may be one way to save some cash, and also remove some commuter stress.
“You’re no longer driving, so you have time to focus during your commute on unfinished work, school work, on the phone making
appointments for your kids or yourself, or reading, “said Hollick. “What used to be a stressful commute is now a stress-free transit.”
According to the TIP Web site (http://www.fmo.navy.mil/services/tip/tip.htm), Department of the Navy members are eligible for
reimbursement up to $115 per month (not including parking fees) in specific pre-approved commuter mass transit transportation
costs not to exceed actual expenses.
The TIP is also available at Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Contact your local TIP coordinator to take advantage
of this program.
Region TIP coordinators are:
Naval Station Everett: ET2 Lance Hollick, (425) 304-3901
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island: ABEC Tracy Brehmer, (360) 257-1439
Naval Base Kitsap, Keyport: Jessica White, (360) 396-2997
Naval Base Kitsap: MMC Robert Knight, (360) 627-4053