Fewer cars on our
roads means less congestion, less pollution and less fossil fuel
consumed. That is why the City of Spokane encourages drive-alone
commuters to explore their commute options.
Reducing drive-alone
commuting is especially important to Spokane’s Downtown and University
Districts because of the high concentration of businesses, residences
and educational institutions. To encourage drive-alone commuters in
those areas to make a change in their commute routine, the City’s
Planning Services Department implemented the Commute Smart – Travel
Green program.
The purpose of
Commute Smart – Travel Green is to reduce vehicle miles traveled which
in turn makes our transportation system more efficient and reduces our
carbon monoxide emissions. Program objectives also include increasing
transportation options, coordinating transportation and land use
planning; and encouraging use of multi-modal transportation by
implementing bicycle, pedestrian and transit facility improvements.
Commuters who choose
an alternative to driving alone cut their commute cost by 50% or more.
They also benefit their community by:
Reducing
air & water pollution
Conserving
non-renewable natural resources
Reducing
traffic congestion and road construction
How does this
program benefit businesses?
An efficient
transportation system provides a business district with a competitive
edge when it comes to attracting customers, employees and investors,
plus:
Less
traffic congestion means increased freight mobility
Fewer
SOV commuters means more parking for customers
Employer
support of alternative transportation increases staff morale and job
satisfaction, and reduces stress and absenteeism.
What gets measured
matters!
In order to measure
the number of road miles eliminated and the Carbon Monoxide emissions
avoided, Downtown and University District commuters are asked to track
their commute choices at
www.MyCommute.org.
Go to
www.MyCommute.org and create a commute calendar by clicking on New
User and answering a few commute-related questions (i.e. how many miles
you drive one-way, what days of the week you work.) Use Worksite Code
ØNQV to show that you are a Downtown
or University District commuter. Then simply update your calendar
monthly to reflect your travel choices. Your active commute calendar not
only helps the City and County prove the need for pedestrian, bike and
transit facilities, it also qualifies you to win monthly prizes!
The August 2008 Spokane Building
Blocks session for the
Growth and Transportation Efficiency Plan is available for viewing.
Click
the play icon to view the program.
After pushing play you can view the full
screen or click the bottom right hand button to exit full screen
mode.
