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Making multiple modes work for a cleaner commute and more “me time”
Ben Assaf knows that commuting doesn’t have to be black or white – carpool or telework? Bike or train? Vanpool or bus? He’s found that multiple modes can work for the same commute, and he should know. He mixes it up among carpooling, riding the bus, taking the train, walking and teleworking.
Ben used to drive 40 miles each day to and from his office, and his only routes were down Highway 141 or GA 400 – both traffic-packed options that could take more than an hour one way. He thought that riding the bus to the train station, taking the train a few stops, then walking to work would take longer than his drive, until he thought about all the free time he’d gain as a rider rather than a driver.
“Being able to read every day was a big motivator,” said Ben. “I love to read but never felt I could take the time after spending two or more hours driving every day.”
Ben was happier driving just 7 miles to the bus stop instead of all the way to work, until he realized that a neighbor worked across the street from his office. The two immediately decided that carpooling would make that part of their commute even easier, and let Ben and his carpool partner chat or listen to books on tape.
Ben has found that his carpool/transit/walking commute can take even less time than driving alone – that it actually creates usable time, saves him money, cleans the air and puts him in a better mood.
“I find I'm a lot less grumpy, especially in the afternoon,” said Ben. “No longer do I have to grip the steering wheel for an hour, and I can dedicate after-work hours to family activities.”
He’s also able to be there for his kids when he teleworks from his home office. On days when there’s an appointment, game or practice, Ben can avoid his commute altogether. Plus, he keeps another car off the road, reducing pollution in metro Atlanta.
The Clean Air Campaign can help you figure out which commute modes might work for you. So don’t waste your time sitting in traffic. Let The Clean Air Campaign help you turn your commute into quality “me time.”