Module 5: Alternative Transportation

• Overview
• Program Planning
• Identifying Options
• Program Implementation
• Resources

Overview

As used in this module, alternative transportation refers to any method of transportation other than driving as the sole occupant in a gas-powered vehicle. It can mean carpooling, vanpooling, bicycling, taking mass transit, or driving hybrid vehicles. For the purposes of this module, we also include teleworking and other forms of alternative work practices, as these practices also result in fewer cars on our roads.

Reasons for developing an alternative transportation program:

• It means fewer pollutants are emitted into the air. Poor air quality is becoming a pressing issue for the entire metropolitan Atlanta region, affecting the cities of Macon, Augusta, and Columbus as well as Atlanta. By choosing one of the alternatives discussed in this module for your fleet, or providing incentives for your employees or tenants to use alternative forms of transportation, you can help improve the quality of air in these and other regions. When the air quality is improved, so is your health and that of your families. Learn more about the links between traffic, air quality, and your health HERE.
• It means fewer vehicles on our roads. When more people choose to carpool, telework, or take mass transit, the number of vehicles on our roads is reduced. Reducing traffic congestion improves our health and our quality of life by giving you more time to enjoy not stuck behind the wheel.
• It means cost savings. How much does your daily solo commute cost? It’s more than just the cost of gasoline (which itself is not an insignificant cost these days). According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the cost per mile for operating and ownership costs is 52.2 cents, for an average size car, when driven 15,000 miles per year. See cost comparison calculator for transportation alternatives HERE.
• It improves employee morale! Reducing the stress that stems from traffic congestion can be a real perk in the office.

Options for alternative transportation

The options that exist for alternative transportation vary from building to building and from workplace to workplace. If a building is not on a bus or rail line, those options will obviously not be available. Other options do exist, however, and these are discussed when you move on to Program Planning.