This is in response to the article "While SA Vans Add On Miles, Some Van Records Don't Add Up" in the March 10 issue of The Spectrum.
I would like to clarify what Erin Shultz terms as "hundreds of miles unaccounted for." As I explained in our meeting, the trip odometer on these vehicles is the same as the regular mileage odometer. Many times, drivers set the trip odometer before they leave but forget to reset it at the end of their trip.
When returning their mileage reports, they record the mileage on the trip odometer instead of resetting it and recording the accurate number from the mileage odometer. Since there is only one odometer on these vehicles it is an understandable mistake, but it appears that there is mileage "unaccounted" for.
Additionally, you cited Asian American Student Union (AASU) driving 97 miles to Game Zone. What you failed to mention was that the reason there were so many miles was because AASU shuttled people back and forth from the residence halls and the Student Union to the event.
We try to be fair to all of our organizations regarding van usage, and personal use of any SA vehicle is strictly forbidden.
Photo: Courtesy of SUNY
