Dispatch to replace base shuttle with on-call official transit service Published Feb. 29, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Daryl Knee 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron designed a free, on-call official transit service to replace the current Spangdahlem AB base shuttle service here March 12. The existing shuttle transports passengers between duty locations or official appointments via base bus stops. The new transit system's purpose is to improve service, with the goal of transporting members to and from official places of business, usually within 10 minutes. "It's easier to get to where you're going with a transit service [instead of the current base shuttle]," said Master Sgt. Robert Bolton, 52nd LRS Vehicle Operations Section superintendent. "We'll be able to get the customer to their destination in minutes instead of an hour. For official business, this is a much faster service." Air Force leaders continue to manage their fiscal responsibilities by looking for ways to operate at smarter, reduce costs and save man-hours. The current Spangdahlem shuttle service costs more than $200,000 a year to maintain, mainly due to fuel and maintenance costs from driving continuous loops around the base to pick up or drop off Airmen. Bolton said the official transit service will be a more customer-oriented service, meaning the vehicle is dispatched only in response to a specific need. As a result, response times will improve while saving tax dollars. "We're improving service by providing better and more efficient transportation to official base users," Bolton said. The new service is open to all active-duty members, Defense Department civilians and local national employees. Customers simply call the dispatch number and request transportation. An LRS vehicle operator will then take the customer to the official duty locations on base. For example, customers may use the service to go from their workcenter to a medical appointment or to First Stop to renew an ID card. However, Air Force Instruction 24-301, Domicile to Duty Transportation Support, prevents LRS from providing transportation from what is called "domicile to duty." Therefore, the transit service cannot transport a passenger from an on-base residence or lodging to a workcenter. Also, the use of the service for personal errands is not permitted. The transit service will be available 24 hours every day unless otherwise advertised. The number is DSN 452-RIDE, which is 7433, or 06565-61-7433. For more information about the shuttle service transition, call DSN 452-5455 or 06565-61-5455.