ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2006 > October > 11
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Have Commuting Nightmares?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
My husband and I drove downtown this morning in the HOV lane on 85 South. It was 6:30 a.m. Over 1000 cars to our right creeped along from the effects of one fender bender.
We remarked how fortunate we felt about avoiding the morning nightmare on Atlanta roads. He takes MARTA to his downtown workplace. I travel frequently for work and take it to and from the airport. With the flexibility of our jobs, we are able to time our driving trips around non peak driving times.
Many of us changed habits when gas prices were high this summer. It was no coincidence that MARTA rider-ship rose, more people carpooled and thought twice about making that extra trip to the store.
These adjustments were probably driven by financial reasons but also brought focused attention on how slight changes in our commuting patterns could collectively make a difference on the planet.
Of course, now that gas pump prices are declining have we reverted back to the same old habits?
I know carpooling and mass transit are not always the easiest solutions. It requires adapting to new schedules and logistics. Check out The Clean Air Campaign, which has a strong track record of providing resources to support employers and employees.
Telecommuting or flex hours been the fix for any of you out there? Other suggestions to manage the Atlanta commuting conundrum?
I am usually an optimist but believe with fair certainty that Atlanta’s roads aren’t going to get any better.
