Growth Tool Kit: Address Traffic Congestion through Quality Public Transit and Telework
Traffic congestion is a growing concern across the nation. Land-use patterns in recent decades have fostered automobile use, leading to lengthy commuting times and long-distance driving for basic needs. For the past several years, nationwide use of public transit has increased significantly, up 21 percent since 1995, and it is now at the highest level in 40 years.1 Improved transit systems, displeasure with traffic congestion, and urban population increases are factors contributing to this rise. States and communities are responding to traffic congestion by providing telework opportunities and transit services and enhancements that include neighborhood shuttles, fare-free zones, and more convenient and efficient routes.
Growth and Quality-of-Life Tools and Strategies
Fareless Square - Portland, Oregon
Tri-Met, Portland, Oregon's mass transportation operator, provides a fare-free zone in the city that gives transit riders free access to government, business, entertainment, and retail centers within the downtown district. According to a 1988 survey, about half of all downtown transit riders use the service. Fareless Square and limited free parking have succeeded in encouraging widespread use of transit and providing an attractive downtown location for businesses.
Tri-Met - Portland, Oregon, 503/238-7443
Light Rail - New Jersey's Transportation Vision for the 21st Century
New Jersey has embarked on light rail projects to reduce congestion and offer fast, efficient public transportation service between urban centers. The Hudson-Bergen line, the state's first north-south public transportation corridor, will span 20 miles with 30 stations and serve more than 100,000 commuters. The project has already increased economic development in the corridor. The second project, linking Trenton and Camden, also aims to reduce congestion and spur revitalization of two, old industrial waterfront communities.
New Jersey Transit, 973/491-9400
Press Release
Local Shuttles Connecting Neighborhoods - Boulder, Colorado, Community Transit System
Boulder, Colorado, developed new transit alternatives to better serve local communities. The HOP and SKIP shuttles provide frequent service connecting the city's major activity centers, community destinations, and regional transportation district bus system. HOP departs every six minutes and makes a loop through central Boulder. When college is in session, weekend shuttle service is extended from midnight until 3:00 a.m. SKIP runs frequently every day along a north-south corridor, connecting neighborhoods and park-and-ride lots to the commercial center.
City of Boulder Community Transit Network, 303/441-3200
Telecommuting Program - Arizona
Arizona's interest in telework was sparked in 1989 by the desire to reduce traffic congestion, energy use, and air pollution. All state agencies, boards, and commissions must implement the Telecommuting Program, with a goal to have 15 percent of employees in Maricopa County participating. Agency coordinators begin the process with a six-month pilot to test how well telecommuting will work for their organization. After the pilot is evaluated, program modifications are made and the opportunity to telecommute is offered to other qualified employees. The department of administration works with a coordinator from each agency to brief management, plan the pilot, help supervisors select telecommuters, train employees and their supervisors to negotiate agreements, evaluate the pilot, and expand the program to include more employees. To date, 71 state agencies have implemented the program and reached the target goal.
State of Arizona Telecommuting Zone, 602/542-3637
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