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

2 After housing, transportation related expenditures are the second largest for the average household, exceeding food, education, recreation, and medical care. 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. 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. Commuter Connections was formed in 1974 to provide awareness and support of alternative commute modes.

3 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), gas prices have increased 34%. Compared to the same time last year (Aug 2004 vs. Aug 2005), Commuter Connections Web visits have increased 33%. 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. There were no differences in marketing levels from year to year during the month of August.

4 Through timely messaging WMATA, Commuter Connections and other transit agencies within the region are responding to consumer concerns about high gas prices. 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. 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. While commuters can change travel modes at their discretion, employer approval is needed for telework. Gasoline Prices and Commuting Alternatives

5 Telework Potential in Region Source: Commuter Connections 2004 State of the Commute Survey Total Commuters: 2.4 Million

6 Commuter Connections Telework Program Provides information (kits, videos, brochures) on telework benefits and programs. Provides information (kits, videos, brochures) on telework benefits and programs. Supports Regional Telecommuting Committee. Supports Regional Telecommuting Committee. Assists employers to set up or expand telework programs. Assists employers to set up or expand telework programs. FY 2006 Budget: $162K FY 2006 Budget: $162K

7 An independent legal entity made up of private sector organizations. An independent legal entity made up of private sector organizations. Facilitates communication among Federal teleworkers, government, and the private sector. Facilitates communication among Federal teleworkers, government, and the private sector. Telework Exchange

8 As a virtual community, the Telework Exchange uses as the primary venue for meeting organizational objectives. As a virtual community, the Telework Exchange uses as the primary venue for meeting organizational objectives. The Web community features: The Web community features:  Telework value calculators  Qualified collaboration and discussion platforms  Resource centers Telework Exchange Structure

9 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 Outreach