To the editor:

The article about the state vanpool program on Sunday was good. However, let me add a few more points to further clarify this issue. There are now 20 state vans (12- and 15-passenger vans), and most have at least two stand-by riders. Quick math would put the participants around 280.

The 46-cents-per-mile charge for riding the vanpool pays for ALL the costs involved for this program. Those include insurance, fuel, regular maintenance and the cost of replacement for the vans as they come to 95,000 miles. In other words, it is a self-supporting program. How many other state-sponsored programs can say that?

It was initiated in 1980, and I have been a proud participant since 1985 because, in a small way, I have been reducing the congestion on the road and conserving fuel consumption. The riders have been paying for this program from day one and appreciated the state’s help in running it. To eliminate a program that has been successful, to this day remains popular and pays for itself is ill-advised. I have contacted my senator (Mark Buhler) and representative (Barbara Ballard) asking for help. I only hope that they realize how important this trivial issue is to us.

Dear Gov. Sebelius, I know you have bigger fish to fry, but please reconsider this decision. I don’t think the elimination of the vanpool program would greatly “improve the efficiency of Kansas government.”

Abe Rezayazdi,

Lawrence