Credit: Andria Brooks
Credit: Andria Brooks
Metro Atlanta commuters still seem to be embracing ride sharing in spite of the recent drop in gas prices making it less costly to drive.
That's the takeaway from a recent boost in registrations for Georgia Commute Options, a program of Georgia Department of Transportation designed to improve air quality and traffic by promoting transit use and carpooling.
November and December saw an 84% and 60% increase in program registrations, respectively, over the same months in 2014, according to a press release.
In addition, 2015 brought a 4% annual increase in program registrations over 2014 — marking the first time since 2008 that enrollments exceeded the previous year. Officials credit that growth in part to the program's marketing. A “Be the Solution” campaign launched in April 2015, and well as regional events and contests were introduced to lure more commuters to trying alternative commutes.
“We’re thrilled to see such high numbers at year’s end,” said Phil Peevy, Georgia DOT’s Air Quality and Technical Resource Branch Chief. “The team has worked hard to make Georgia Commute Options a high-achieving program, and the result is fewer cars on the road and better mobility in metro Atlanta. It’s great to see that hard work rewarded.”
For a limited time, metro Atlanta commuters can earn $5 a day through Georgia Commute Options’ Gimme Five promotion when they switch to a “clean commute” like carpooling, vanpooling, taking transit, teleworking, walking or biking to work. Commuters can learn more at GaCommuteOptions.com/GimmeFive.
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