GAINESVILLE - TV Tokyo recently featured Gainesville based Georgia Department of Transportation employees and their carpool from Franklin County to Gainesville as part of a broadcast about the role of commute alternatives in the wake of higher gas prices.
"TV Tokyo asked Clean Air Campaign for recommendations of commuters that carpool to and from work each day; the Franklin County carpool of Charlie Williams, Robby Oliver, Jeff Jacques and John McQueen was chosen to be featured based on their commitment to this commute alternative," said GDOT District Engineer Russell McMurry. "As a transportation agency and a founding partner of the Clean Air Campaign, we encourage Georgia DOT employees to support efforts to reduce metro Atlanta's traffic congestion and improve air quality."
Like many other commuters in the Atlanta region, this carpool group found there were other benefits in store.
"When we carpool, I save gas money," said Williams. "We rotate so I'm only driving one week a month! That saves me loads plus it decreases my car mileage and repair expenses, talk with my carpool partners, reduce stress and qualify for Clean Air Campaign incentives."
Williams saw the benefits of other co-workers who were carpooling from Habersham County. Carpooler Frank Swaim led Williams to The Clean Air Campaign web site for information on commute alternatives. He found that the non-profit organization offers incentives for carpooling and "knew it was a win-win situation with no downsides at all," Williams said.
GDOT employees have participated in The Clean Air Campaign initiatives since the organization's inception, and the Department tracks employees' participation in carpools, vanpools, teleworking and flexible work scheduled. More recently, The Clean Air Campaign launched CommuteTrak; a method used tot rack commute habits and reward individuals who routinely use alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle commutes. To date, Georgia DOT has the greatest number of employees participating in CommuteTrak among all the government agencies in the region.
"This Franklin County carpool was one of the first carpools to our office," McMurry added. "Their commute choice helps the carpoolers as individuals; eliminating some stress by allowing them to relax and not drive every day. It helps their families save money on gas and car repairs to use for other things. It helps GDOT as these co-workers become friends and work together better. It also helps Georgia by improving our air quality and having fewer vehicles on the roads. This is a great thing for everyone."
About The Clean Air Campaign
The Clean Air Campaign is a not-for-profit organization that works with Georgia employers, commuters and schools to encourage actions that result in reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality. To accomplish this goal, The Clean Air Campaign offers assistance to 400 employers to design and implement commute alternative programs; protects public health through the issuance of Smog Alert notifications; offers targeted incentives to commuters and employers; and works with elementary and middle schools to empower children to play a positive role in reducing traffic and cleaning the air. For more information, call 1-877-CLEANAIR or visit cleanaircampaign.com.
Friday
October 11th, 2024
10:26PM
