Transcript Gasoline Prices and Commuting Alternatives National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board September 21, 2005

Gasoline Prices and
Commuting Alternatives
National Capital Region
Transportation Planning Board
September 21, 2005
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Gasoline Prices and
Commuting Alternatives
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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.
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Gasoline Prices and
Commuting Alternatives
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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.
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Gasoline Prices and
Commuting Alternatives
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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.
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Telework Potential in Region
Teleworkers 2004 "Could & Would" Total Potential
Employer Type
320,000
400,000
720,000
Private Sector /
Non-Profit
15%
20%
35%
Federal
12%
23%
35%
State / Local
6%
13%
19%
Totals
13%
17%
30%
Source: Commuter Connections
2004 State of the Commute Survey
Total Commuters: 2.4 Million
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Commuter Connections
Telework Program
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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
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Telework Exchange
 An independent legal entity made up of
private sector organizations.
Facilitates communication among Federal
teleworkers, government, and the private sector.
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Telework Exchange Structure
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As a virtual community, the Telework Exchange
uses www.teleworkexchange.com as the
primary venue for meeting organizational
objectives.
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The Web community features:
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Telework value calculators
Qualified collaboration and discussion platforms
Resource centers
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Outreach
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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
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