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Gasoline Prices and Commuting Alternatives. National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board September 21, 2005. Gasoline Prices and Commuting Alternatives.
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Gasoline Prices and Commuting Alternatives National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board September 21, 2005
Gasoline Prices and Commuting Alternatives • After housing, transportation related expenditures are the second largest for the average household, exceeding food, education, recreation, and medical care. • Energy crisis of 1970s spurred nationwide efforts to provide commuting alternatives. • Commuter Connections was formed in 1974 to provide awareness and support of alternative commute modes.
Gasoline Prices and Commuting Alternatives • Compared to the same time last year (Aug 2004 vs. Aug 2005), gas prices have increased 34%. • Compared to the same time last year (Aug 2004 vs. Aug 2005), Commuter Connections Web visits have increased 33%. • There were no differences in marketing levels from year to year during the month of August.
Gasoline Prices and Commuting Alternatives • Through timely messaging WMATA, Commuter Connections and other transit agencies within the region are responding to consumer concerns about high gas prices. • Print • PSA’s • Bus exterior signage • In addition to transit and ridesharing alternatives, higher gasoline prices have stimulated increased interest in telework. • While commuters can change travel modes at their discretion, employer approval is needed for telework.
Telework Potential in Region Source: Commuter Connections 2004 State of the Commute Survey Total Commuters: 2.4 Million
Commuter ConnectionsTelework Program • Provides information (kits, videos, brochures) on telework benefits and programs. • Supports Regional Telecommuting Committee. • Assists employers to set up or expand telework programs. • FY 2006 Budget: $162K
Telework Exchange • An independent legal entity made up of private sector organizations. • Facilitates communication among Federal teleworkers, government, and the private sector.
Telework Exchange Structure • As a virtual community, the Telework Exchange uses www.teleworkexchange.com as the primary venue for meeting organizational objectives. • The Web community features: • Telework value calculators • Qualified collaboration and discussion platforms • Resource centers
Outreach • The Teleworker – A newsletter reporting exclusively on Federal telework. • Full page advertisements in the Express commuter newspaper focusing on: • Traffic tie-ups • Commuter “rat race” • Overcrowding on transit