Rising Gas Prices Fuel Commuter Programs

The Clean Air Campaign wants to talk you out of driving to work solo, and may even pay you cash for getting off the road. The state-funded group’s mission is to motivate Georgians to take action to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. For more information on this program, click here.

Clean Air’s Cash for Commuters is a big incentive. The program offers rewards to those who currently drive alone to work, and agree to cleaner methods of getting there such as carpooling, teleworking, and mass transit. You could earn up to $3 per day, and a maximum of $180 over a 3-month period. Combine that with the average cost of gas at or near 4.00 a gallon, and the benefits can be significant.

"It's common sense how much money you can save,” says spokesman Joey Ledford. Participation rates are growing strong, and applications are up 70 percent from last year.

Atlanta commuter Donna Wallman decided to take advantage of Cash for Commuters about 2 months ago, mostly to cut gas costs and the strain of traffic. She was surprised to learn of an express bus route that stopped right in front of her office. “I was less stressed and I got there about the same time," Wallman said. She wasn’t alone. Virtually every seat on the bus was occupied each morning.

Car Sharing Options for Commuters

The latest trend in alternative commuting is car sharing. An exciting new option, car sharing allows you all the benefits and freedom of having a vehicle “on hand’ without the hassles of ownership. It was designed for public transit users to have access to an automobile in-town if they should need one. A concept originally developed in Switzerland, car sharing has found its way to 18 US cities.

Atlanta’s Zipcar lets you borrow a vehicle for up to 24 hours if needed, but is best used in 2- to 4-hour increments advises April Turner, a spokesperson for Zipcar.

“Most of our clientele are people who use public transportation and don’t want the expense of owning a car.” A fee is required each day for use of that vehicle, with a location where you can pick up and drop off your loaner.

Bike to Work

As traffic and car emissions continue to congest both highways and the air more commuters are taking to bikes for relief. The Atlanta Bicycle Campaign, Atlanta’s largest member-based bicycle advocacy group, works with Transportation Management Associations to educate those new to cycling on how to ride safely.

Atlanta Commuter Bob Knoll started riding his bike to work last year because he thought cycling would be more enjoyable compared to the agitation of sitting in traffic. “If I have had a bad day at work, I always look forward to riding home.” And the benefits did not stop there, a tank of gas now lasts him twice as long.

Give Your Car a Break

There is no getting around the fact that driving has become exhausting and downright costly. While there may be no end in sight to traffic, you can still give yourself a needed break by using other methods of transportation whenever possible. Atlanta alternative commuter Kelly Sawyer recommends running a few errands first, and then trying out your work route.

“Start thinking in a different way about getting there.” For more information about starting your journey through alternative commuting visit the EPA's website.

Atlanta Marta

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