Need Wheels? Be Ready to Pay by Daniel J. Fitzgibbons Chronicle staff Feb. 25, 2000 For some, the free ride at Fleet Services ends July 1, when users of the motor pool's sedans and vans will be billed for mileage. According to Larry R. Snyder, general manager of Fleet Services, the mileage charges are not a new policy, but the rules have been applied somewhat inconsistently over the years. As a result, some departments paid the freight and others didn't, leaving Fleet Services to cover the expense of keeping the vehicles in service. So when the billing system shifts into gear this summer, the mileage charges will cover fuel, Fast Lane tolls on the Mass Pike and maintenance costs. Drivers of cars will be charged 32.5 cents per mile - the rate used by the Internal Revenue Service - while the rate for vans is set at 52 cents per mile. Snyder also hopes some of the money can be set aside to buy replacements for the five sedans and three vans, all which are at least seven years old. "Most of the vehicles have between 50,000 and 100,000 miles and then some," he said. That's hardly surprising since the vehicles are available to all campus departments and student organizations. In fact, Snyder said it's unusual for more than a couple of the vehicles to be in the Fleet Services yard at any given time. The constant use adds up to some considerable wear-and-tear and on occasion, to damages, said Snyder. That's why departments will also be held financially accountable for any dents, scrapes, dings and other damages incurred while a vehicle is in their possession. As of July 1, Snyder said, Fleet Services staff will inspect each vehicle before departure and upon return. Both mileage and damage assessments will be recharged to user departments and organizations, said Snyder. A memo detailing the policy was sent to departments earlier this month so they "can plan accordingly for their Fiscal Year 2001 budgets," he said. Snyder's supervisor, Marc Fournier, assistant director of Physical Plant for Grounds Management, said applying the policy across the board is simply sound business practice. "We've got to do it," said Fournier. "This will allow us to continue to provide the service for a nominal fee."