ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2006 > October > 11 > Entry
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.
Comments
By C.L.
October 16, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this
Yes I am having commuting nightmares since I moved here a year ago from New Jersey. I never knew the traffic was so hideous until I moved here. The fact that there is no Mass Transit thats constantly flowing (and by constantly flowing I mean having a lot buses and trains) makes traffic impossible. My only solution is to leave your house ridiculousy early. Where I live highway 78 is 5 minutes from my house. But morning traffic turns it into a 30 minute trip. So go to bed early, wake up early, and leave super early. -C.L.
By LBP
October 17, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this
Affordable intown housing is in “Historic College Park” - 2bed condos 119K-154K, next to airport, walk to MARTA, restaurants, grocery store, search MLS zip 30337