New bus line connects Eielson to local communities Published March 8, 2012 By 1st Lt. Evette Wissler 354 Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Just in time for spring, Eielson residents will soon have a new option for local travel. Metropolitan Area Commuter System, with coordination from base officials, will begin an express bus service between Salcha, Eielson, North Pole and Fairbanks starting March 15. The new White Line will run Monday through Friday during peak travel times in the morning and evening. "We're pleased to support the local community's efforts to facilitate employment opportunities," said Maj. Michael Dye, 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander. "This new route will serve as an alternate - in some cases a primary - mode of transportation for those who live at Eielson or within the surrounding area." The new bus route will provide great cost savings options for Eielson residents. For those who require vehicle maintenance in Fairbanks, it can be challenging to find a way to drop off the vehicle and find a ride back to base. The same issue occurs once service has been completed. Many repair shops offer a pick-up and drop-off service, but it is usually limited to the local area. With the new bus stop, Eielson residents can now drop off their vehicle in Fairbanks and use the bus to get back home until repairs are complete. And for people traveling to and from Fairbanks International Airport, instead of paying for airport parking or a hefty cab fare, travelers can now spend around $3 for a round-trip. The twice-daily ride between Salcha, Eielson Air Force Base, North Pole and Fairbanks creates the longest route in the Metropolitan Area Commuter System and is designed with commuters in mind, said Adam Barth, Fairbanks North Star Borough transportation manager. "These routes are to encourage people to use transit as opposed to using personal vehicles," he said. To ensure that Eielson residents can take advantage of the bus service, the 354th Logistic Readiness Squadron has set up an on-base shuttle that will run between the Base Exchange, at the corner by the Base Theater, and the MACS bus stop at the parking lot outside the main gate. Morning shuttles will depart the BX at 5:35, 6:25, 7:35 and 8:25 a.m. and evening service at 4:20, 5:10, 6:20 and 7:10 p.m. Return shuttles from the front gate will depart at 5:55, 6:45, 7:55 and 8:45 a.m., and again at 4:40, 5:30, 6:40 and 7:30 p.m. There will be no service on the weekends. "If enough people use this service, it is my understanding that this may result in extended or weekend hours, presenting more opportunities for our Airmen and even our RED FLAG-Alaska participants" said Dye. It's important to note that people boarding the shuttle at the main gate will still be required to show proper identification to gain access to the installation. While the base shuttle service will be free for all DoD ID card holders, the MACS transit will charge standard fares. A one-way trip will cost $1.50 for regular adult fare, 75 cents for Active military and dependents, and free for children 5 years and under or adults 60 years and older. More information about the MACS Transit bus including schedules and fares can be found at www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/Transportation.