Connecting University Circle
Brought to You by PNC

Share This

Close

« back to news list

A new approach to easing traffic jams starts with CEOs

Posted March 09, 2018 in Articles

Author: Paul Mackie

When people talk the power of CEOs, they generally mean over their businesses, their workforces, political lobbying, or the economy. It’s time to add traffic to the list.

That’s right: It might sound strange, or unrelated to business objectives, but CEOs could be the key to eliminating traffic jams.

When you think of transportation, you probably think about infrastructure: roads, bridges, and trains. But transportation options are only half of the equation for rush hour traffic. The other half is how people use those options, which is referred to by transportation-planner types as “transportation demand management” (TDM).

Business leaders have influence over this latter factor, and some are beginning to use it to encourage employees and customers to cut down on single-passenger car travel in favor of public transportation.

Some examples can seem unusual. Facebook, for instance, is offering $10,000 for workers to move closer—which would reduce the amount of time their cars spend on the road (and eliminate cars from some commutes altogether).

But TDM doesn’t have to be this extreme. For example, a chairman of the board could donate his parking space to bike parking, like Coke’s chair did in car-clogged Atlanta. That gesture seems minor, but small changes can set the tone for how a workplace prioritizes employees who don’t drive.

An office move can also do wonders. Only 4% of Panasonic employees took transit when the company was headquartered in a suburban office park. When it moved to downtown Newark, New Jersey, the combination of location and a robust TDM program boosted the transit rate to 57%.

Even more amazing, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation had a drive-alone employee rate of 88% in 2010, but within one year of introducing an internal TDM program —disincentivizing parking by charging at a daily rather than monthly rate and incentivizing carpooling and other ways to get to work—at a new downtown Seattle location, that number dropped to 42% and continues to decrease.

The value of changing transportation behavior

It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to learn how to ride the bus or bike to work, right? Perhaps not, but it does take some fundamental hand-holding. We have been trained for so long to take the car that we literally are at a loss as to how to handle the alternatives. Not to pick on Palo Alto in Silicon Valley, but even in California’s “smartest city,” a full 19% of those who wanted to ride the bus did not know how to ride it. Brain surgery or not, TDM is greatly needed.

Some cities, for this reason, have begun to invest in TDM. In Arlington, Virginia, for example, the county invests about $12 million each year in educating businesses, residents, and visitors about the strategy. The think tank where I work, Mobility Lab, estimates that this takes more than 40,000 single-occupancy car trips off the roads each workday, spreading those out into transit, biking, carpooling, and walking trips, as well as people working from home.

Part of the case programs like this one make for why CEOs should participate in TDM is that doing so is good for business.

First, it may help with recruiting efforts. An average 30-mile, drive-alone commute in the US costs a worker $16.50 per day, far more expensive than other ways to get to work, according to research by real-estate firm Avison Young (PDF).

The New York City Department of Transportation discovered in 2013 that establishing bike lanes on 8th and 9th Avenues in Manhattan increased local business retail sales up to 49 percent. A 2009 Toronto study found non-driving consumers had more money to spend on local businesses, and visited more often.

CEOs and small-business owners may not be seeing much happening in the way of a New Deal-type plan to rebuild our crumbling roads, bridges, and transit systems. But they can get smarter about the parking and the other space that they control outside their front doors. And they can incentivize healthy and sustainable transportation options for their workforce.

All of those efforts will lead to better business outcomes—and will kick a traffic jam or two to the curb in the process.

Original Article: https://work.qz.com/1225131/traffic-jams-the-surprising-power-of-ceos/

TOMORROW! Join us for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 27 to hear updates on pedestrian saf...

TOMORROW! Join us for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 27 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

TOMORROW! Join us for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 27 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Tuesday, March 26 2024 | 10:01am

🚨 Traffic Alert: Upcoming scheduled crane work at the Cleveland VA Medical Center will result in temporary closures of E. 105th Stre...

🚨 Traffic Alert: Upcoming scheduled crane work at the Cleveland VA Medical Center will result in temporary closures of E. 105th Street northbound lanes between Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Magnolia Drive. Southbound travel lanes will remain open at all times. The lane closures are scheduled...

🚨 Traffic Alert: Upcoming scheduled crane work at the Cleveland VA Medical Center will result in temporary closures of E. 105th Street northbound lanes between Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Magnolia Drive. Southbound travel lanes will remain open at all times. The lane closures are scheduled to occur as follows, subject to weather: • Monday, March 25 and Tuesday, March 26 - 7:00am – 4:00pm • Monday, April 1 - 7:00am – 4:00pm • Friday, April 5 - 7:00am – 4:00pm

Friday, March 22 2024 | 12:38pm

Join us for an insightful webinar hosted by uGO where we will explore the range of commuter benefits offered by NOACA and GCRTA. Whethe...

Join us for an insightful webinar hosted by uGO where we will explore the range of commuter benefits offered by NOACA and GCRTA. Whether you're an individual looking to save money on your daily travels or an employer seeking to enhance your benefits package, this webinar is for you. During this ses...

Join us for an insightful webinar hosted by uGO where we will explore the range of commuter benefits offered by NOACA and GCRTA. Whether you're an individual looking to save money on your daily travels or an employer seeking to enhance your benefits package, this webinar is for you. During this session, we'll dive into the commuter benefits offered by these organizations such as pre-tax transit cost savings, subsidized vanpools, and guaranteed rides home. Learn how these benefits can not only lighten the financial burden of commuting but also reduce carbon emissions and ease traffic congestion. Register to attend here: bit.ly/uGOwebinar24

Friday, March 15 2024 | 1:00pm

Join us TOMORROW for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safet...

Join us TOMORROW for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Join us TOMORROW for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Tuesday, March 12 2024 | 11:00am

Did you know RTA has free parking at nine stations along the Red Line? It can be an excellent Park-n-Ride option for those who don’t ...

Did you know RTA has free parking at nine stations along the Red Line? It can be an excellent Park-n-Ride option for those who don’t live close to a train or bus stop!

Did you know RTA has free parking at nine stations along the Red Line? It can be an excellent Park-n-Ride option for those who don’t live close to a train or bus stop!

Monday, March 11 2024 | 12:00pm

Are you tired of walking the same loop on your lunch break? Looking to switch up your routine? Check out uGO's downloadable maps that s...

Are you tired of walking the same loop on your lunch break? Looking to switch up your routine? Check out uGO's downloadable maps that show recommended routes for walking in University Circle. Visit uGOinthecircle.com/walking for more walking loops.

Are you tired of walking the same loop on your lunch break? Looking to switch up your routine? Check out uGO's downloadable maps that show recommended routes for walking in University Circle. Visit uGOinthecircle.com/walking for more walking loops.

Friday, March 8 2024 | 9:00am

Join UCI and UCPD next week for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedes...

Join UCI and UCPD next week for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Join UCI and UCPD next week for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Wednesday, March 6 2024 | 11:00am

The City of Cleveland is hosting a community meeting this Thursday at 5:00 pm to share information about the upcoming resurfacing of Ca...

The City of Cleveland is hosting a community meeting this Thursday at 5:00 pm to share information about the upcoming resurfacing of Carnegie Avenue between E. 79th Street and MLK Jr. Drive. Final Design is scheduled to be completed in June 2024. Construction is scheduled to begin March 2025.

The City of Cleveland is hosting a community meeting this Thursday at 5:00 pm to share information about the upcoming resurfacing of Carnegie Avenue between E. 79th Street and MLK Jr. Drive. Final Design is scheduled to be completed in June 2024. Construction is scheduled to begin March 2025.

Monday, March 4 2024 | 10:48am

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safe...

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Wednesday, February 28 2024 | 11:25am

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safe...

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, March 13 to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Wednesday, February 21 2024 | 7:00am

University Circle is conveniently served by six bus routes, the Euclid Avenue HealthLine (bus rapid transit), and the Red Line (heavy r...

University Circle is conveniently served by six bus routes, the Euclid Avenue HealthLine (bus rapid transit), and the Red Line (heavy rail). Use GCRTA's System Map or the Transit App on your phone to learn more about these transit routes and where they lead: riderta.com/systemmap.

University Circle is conveniently served by six bus routes, the Euclid Avenue HealthLine (bus rapid transit), and the Red Line (heavy rail). Use GCRTA's System Map or the Transit App on your phone to learn more about these transit routes and where they lead: riderta.com/systemmap.

Friday, February 16 2024 | 9:00am

The CircleLink shuttle connects University Circle to its outside neighborhoods making it the perfect way to travel locally. Get real-ti...

The CircleLink shuttle connects University Circle to its outside neighborhoods making it the perfect way to travel locally. Get real-time updates on the location of shuttles in the Circle and more on our shuttle page: ugointhecircle.com/shuttle

The CircleLink shuttle connects University Circle to its outside neighborhoods making it the perfect way to travel locally. Get real-time updates on the location of shuttles in the Circle and more on our shuttle page: ugointhecircle.com/shuttle

Monday, February 12 2024 | 9:01am

FYI! Lot 54, the parking lot at the former Ford Road Garage site, is now open and available for public parking. The 75-space parking lo...

FYI! Lot 54, the parking lot at the former Ford Road Garage site, is now open and available for public parking. The 75-space parking lot is owned and operated by Case Western Reserve University with visitor parking available at a rate of $1/hour.

FYI! Lot 54, the parking lot at the former Ford Road Garage site, is now open and available for public parking. The 75-space parking lot is owned and operated by Case Western Reserve University with visitor parking available at a rate of $1/hour.

Wednesday, February 7 2024 | 7:00am

With incoming snow expected to exceed 2 inches, please remember that stopping, standing, and parking of vehicles will be restricted and...

With incoming snow expected to exceed 2 inches, please remember that stopping, standing, and parking of vehicles will be restricted and prohibited on City streets with the posted red and white signs. In University Circle, this applies to the following roadways: Cedar Avenue, Chester Avenue, Euclid A...

With incoming snow expected to exceed 2 inches, please remember that stopping, standing, and parking of vehicles will be restricted and prohibited on City streets with the posted red and white signs. In University Circle, this applies to the following roadways: Cedar Avenue, Chester Avenue, Euclid Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and Wade Park Avenue.

Thursday, January 18 2024 | 6:00pm

Explore University Circle on foot this winter using one of our walking tours! Take a walk and grab lunch in Uptown, visit the museums o...

Explore University Circle on foot this winter using one of our walking tours! Take a walk and grab lunch in Uptown, visit the museums on Wade Oval, or take in the beautiful scenery of Wade Park.

Explore University Circle on foot this winter using one of our walking tours! Take a walk and grab lunch in Uptown, visit the museums on Wade Oval, or take in the beautiful scenery of Wade Park.

Wednesday, January 17 2024 | 3:02pm

This is a reminder that University Circle shuttles are operating on a winter break schedule. For more details, view the table below or ...

This is a reminder that University Circle shuttles are operating on a winter break schedule. For more details, view the table below or visit our shuttle page: ugointhecircle.com/shuttle.

This is a reminder that University Circle shuttles are operating on a winter break schedule. For more details, view the table below or visit our shuttle page: ugointhecircle.com/shuttle.

Monday, January 8 2024 | 9:01am

Happy New Year from uGO! Let’s talk about transportation and New Year’s Resolutions. What's the most common New Year's Resolution?...

Happy New Year from uGO! Let’s talk about transportation and New Year’s Resolutions. What's the most common New Year's Resolution? You guessed it - to exercise more and lose weight. Purchasing a new gym membership and establishing a workout routine are common next steps to accomplish this goal,...

Happy New Year from uGO! Let’s talk about transportation and New Year’s Resolutions. What's the most common New Year's Resolution? You guessed it - to exercise more and lose weight. Purchasing a new gym membership and establishing a workout routine are common next steps to accomplish this goal, but what if we told you that your commute can also play a role? Studies have shown that people who use transit take 30% more steps per day on average than people who drive, and nearly a third of transit users are physically active for 30 minutes or more each day just from walking to and from their pickup location. Similarly, studies show that the average person loses 13 lbs. in the first year of commuting by bike! Interested in changing up your commute for 2024? Check out our Transit and Biking pages on uGOinthecircle.com for information to help you get started!

Monday, January 1 2024 | 9:01am

Don't forget that University Circle shuttles do not operate on New Year's Day. RTA buses and trains operate on the holiday schedule. Vi...

Don't forget that University Circle shuttles do not operate on New Year's Day. RTA buses and trains operate on the holiday schedule. Visit our shuttle page for more info: uGOinthecircle.com/shuttle

Don't forget that University Circle shuttles do not operate on New Year's Day. RTA buses and trains operate on the holiday schedule. Visit our shuttle page for more info: uGOinthecircle.com/shuttle

Friday, December 29 2023 | 9:00am

A friendly reminder that University Circle shuttles do not operate on Christmas Day. RTA buses and trains operate on the holiday schedu...

A friendly reminder that University Circle shuttles do not operate on Christmas Day. RTA buses and trains operate on the holiday schedule. Visit our shuttle page for more info: uGOinthecircle.com/shuttle

A friendly reminder that University Circle shuttles do not operate on Christmas Day. RTA buses and trains operate on the holiday schedule. Visit our shuttle page for more info: uGOinthecircle.com/shuttle

Friday, December 22 2023 | 9:01am

Explore University Circle on foot using one of our walking tours! Take a walk and grab lunch in Uptown, visit the Museums on Wade Oval,...

Explore University Circle on foot using one of our walking tours! Take a walk and grab lunch in Uptown, visit the Museums on Wade Oval, or take in the beautiful scenery of Wade Park.

Explore University Circle on foot using one of our walking tours! Take a walk and grab lunch in Uptown, visit the Museums on Wade Oval, or take in the beautiful scenery of Wade Park.

Thursday, December 14 2023 | 1:00pm

In coordination with Case Western Reserve University’s winter break schedule, a few shuttle routes will temporarily change starting t...

In coordination with Case Western Reserve University’s winter break schedule, a few shuttle routes will temporarily change starting this weekend. View the table and stay up to date with the latest changes on our shuttle page: ugointhecircle.com/shuttle

In coordination with Case Western Reserve University’s winter break schedule, a few shuttle routes will temporarily change starting this weekend. View the table and stay up to date with the latest changes on our shuttle page: ugointhecircle.com/shuttle

Wednesday, December 13 2023 | 4:27pm

Join UCI and UCPD tomorrow evening for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom to hear updates on pedestrian safety in ...

Join UCI and UCPD tomorrow evening for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Join UCI and UCPD tomorrow evening for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Tuesday, December 5 2023 | 9:01am

Pedestrian friendly bumper stickers make great stocking stuffers! Request one for all the pedestrian friendly drivers on your list this...

Pedestrian friendly bumper stickers make great stocking stuffers! Request one for all the pedestrian friendly drivers on your list this year: universitycircle.org/project-yield-sticker

Pedestrian friendly bumper stickers make great stocking stuffers! Request one for all the pedestrian friendly drivers on your list this year: universitycircle.org/project-yield-sticker

Monday, December 4 2023 | 9:01am

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle...

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Join UCI and UCPD for a Pedestrian Safety Advisory Community meeting via Zoom to hear updates on pedestrian safety in University Circle and share your road safety concerns. Learn more and register here: universitycircle.org/project-yield

Wednesday, November 29 2023 | 9:00am

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! This is a reminder that University Circle shuttles will not be running on Thanksgiving Day. To find altern...

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! This is a reminder that University Circle shuttles will not be running on Thanksgiving Day. To find alternative modes of transportation, follow the link! ugointhecircle.com/plan-your-trip

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! This is a reminder that University Circle shuttles will not be running on Thanksgiving Day. To find alternative modes of transportation, follow the link! ugointhecircle.com/plan-your-trip

Tuesday, November 21 2023 | 10:01am

Stay Connected

Sign up to receive alerts and/or uGO's seldom email communications.

Calculate Your Commute

How much are you spending on your way to work?

Show Me

Stay Connected! Sign up to receive transportation alerts and stay up to date on uGO news.

Photo Gallery

1 of 22