Commuters who have been frustrated by the new HOT-Express Lanes, allow me to introduce you to your new best friend. Her name is Kate Wilson and her only job is to make your commute and your life easier.
Wilson, a 28-year-old graduate of Georgia State University, is a Special Projects Coordinator for the Clean Air Campaign. Her main duty in this role? Finding you carpool partners.
“My job is to reach out one-on-one to commuters who travel on the I-85 corridor and to see if I can help get them into three person carpools so they can use the Express Lanes without paying a toll,” Wilson said.
As a traffic reporter, I hear from people all the time that they would love to join a carpool, but they don’t know anyone that shares their commute. That’s where Wilson comes in.
Commuters can call her directly at 678-244-7705 or email her at expresslane@cleanaircampaign.com
From there Wilson works her magic.
“We have a regional data base that we use that has over 50,000 names of other Atlanta drivers who are also looking for carpool partners,” Wilson said.
She then runs a program to see if there are other people that have similar commutes. Basically she does all of the leg work for you.
Wilson knows the benefits of placing people in carpools.
“You get to ride in the Express lane for free. You drive your car less, saving wear and tear and you are saving a lot of gas money.”
If you needed further incentive, the Clean Air Campaign also rewards carpoolers with monthly gas cards. A three person carpool gets a $40 gas card every month and a four person carpool gets a $60 gas card every month.
The Clean Air Campaign also offers the “Guaranteed Ride Home Program.” If you are a member of a carpool and you have to stay late at work, the Clean Air Campaign offers you a free cab ride home, up to five times a year.
People along the I-85 corridor can also use the assistance of the Clean Air Campaign with other commuting options such as the GRTA bus system and telecommuting choices. Their website is cleanaircampaign.org.
Wilson started this job in July and there is no doubt that she has a daunting task facing her every morning, but she seems to be enjoying her role.
“I talk to a lot of different types of people every day, so that keeps it interesting. It’s great when I can find a good fit. It’s a nice feeling.”
About the Author
