You can get more information on the program online GaCommuteOptions.com. fb.com/GeorgiaCommuteOptions or by calling 1-877-9-GA-Options.
Last week in this column I reintroduced my 5-5-5 plan for reducing traffic congestion in metro Atlanta. Very simply, I believe that with a five percent increase in telecommuters, a five percent increase in people that work flex schedules and a five percent increase in people car-pooling, we would see significant relief on our roadways.
I erred however in last week’s article when I mentioned The Clean Air Campaign was still offering monetary incentives for drivers that carpooled to work. That program is now under the guidance of Georgia Commute Options, a division of the Georgia Department of Transportation. The good news is that starting today GCO is kicking off it’s Commute Pursuit program. From now until July 31, people that register with the program and start a carpool will receive a $3-a-day sign up bonus and a $25 gift card at the end of the program,
Participants in the program must log a minimum of 13 trips and have never been in the $3-a-day program before. As a part of the initiative, carpoolers can be connected with fellow drivers in a ride matching database and earn up to $100 in a 90-day period, when they make the switch to a clean commute alternative.
According to the GCO, once people try an alternate commute option, they tend to stick with it even after the 90-day program ends. The GCO’s data shows that 85 percent of participants continue to use an alternate mode after the program ends.
In addition to the $3-a-day incentive, carpoolers with three people can earn $40 gas cards, while carpools with four or more people can earn $60 monthly gas cards.
The financial benefit to carpooling is two-fold. Not only do you actually get paid by GOC to share your ride, the cost of your commute goes down significantly. It costs a solo driver $0.59 a mile to drive to work. Divided by two, three or even four, the costs of your commute are sliced considerably.
“Choosing an alternative commute helps to reduce congestion, improve air quality , and cut down on the stress associated with a stop and go commute,” Natalie Dale of the Georgia Department of Transportation said. “It’s not something you have to take advantage of everyday, but each day that you can choose an alternate commute option you make an immediate, positive impact on congestion and the environment.“
A very important part of my 5-5-5 plan is getting that five percent increase in carpooling. If you have ever thought about giving it a try, the folks at Georgia Commute Options are making it easier than ever to dip your toes in the water.
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