Not Without a Sense of Irony, it would seem. . . .

Filed under: PRICELESS.

BusinessWeek is running a great story, one that features Schering's Van Pool efforts:

. . . ."Every time gas prices rise, I get more and more employees who are taking our car pools or van pools or shuttle buses," says Schering-Plough's (NYSE:SGP - News) transportation chief, Sheila Gist. . . .

This new golden age has Gist in overdrive, scheduling new routes for what has become Schering's own in-house transit system. In the past year alone, Gist says, employee ridership is up by as much as 40%. Companies are big on breaking the car addiction because doing so increases productivity, amps morale, and delivers much lusted-after green cred. . . .

Last night, Schering disclosed that in 2006 and 2007 combined, it covered $333,700 of personal use of corporate jet-time for the executives, principally Mr. Hassan, and Ms. Cox. It also covered $23,305 for personal use of limo-drivers, and corporate-car expenses, for the top six executives:

. . . .Mr. Hassan has been directed by the Board to use the corporate-owned aircraft for all air travel including personal travel. This provides several business benefits to Schering-Plough. First, the policy is intended to ensure the personal safety of Hassan, who maintains a significant public role as the leader of Schering-Plough. Second, the policy is intended to ensure his availability and to maximize the time available for Schering-Plough business. Certain of the other named executives (and other key executives) use the corporate-owned aircraft for business travel, and on occasion for personal travel. Since Hassan joined Schering-Plough in April 2003, 94% of flying hours for senior management were for business use.

In addition, for the same reasons described above, Schering-Plough makes one car and driver available to Hassan. The driver assigned to Hassan is also a trained security professional. The other named executives occasionally use cars and drivers from a pool. All executives use the cars primarily for business purposes, and the cars and drivers (including the car and driver assigned to Hassan) are also used by other Schering-Plough personnel for business purposes. Since Hassan joined Schering-Plough in April 2003, 94% of car and driver usage for senior management has been for business use. . . .

It sure feels good to ride the corporate van, eh?