The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Capital Metro teamed up Sept. 16 to announce new efforts to combat traffic congestion beginning with public transit discounts.
Gene Austin, the new Austin Chamber of Commerce board chairman, during a news conference encouraged employers to sign the new 20/20 Mobility Solutions pledge that commits to reducing their employee's drive-alone commutes by 20 percent.
"We must increase our mobile workforce," Austin said. "We must shift commuters out of rush hour by enabling flex start and stop times, and we must shift travelers to other modes of transportation.
"Finally, we must reduce the average home to work trip by supporting smarter land use," he said.
Companies such as University Federal Credit Union already participate in the program that offers their employees incentives for biking to work, carpooling, telecommuting or using public transportation.
"We have 530 employees and 20 locations, and when you think about just logistically all of our staff getting to their locations every day, we're contributing to the problem," UFCU President/CEO Tony Budet said. "I'm seeking solutions that help Austin and also help our staff. Obviously, our members don't get served if our staff can't get to work on time."
Advanced Micro Devices Inc. is another company that participates in the program. AMD Austin employees claim the incentive program makes a huge difference in their quality of life—and their pocket book, said Justin Murrill, an AMD Austin employee.
During the Sept. 16 news conference, Capital Metro President/CEO Linda Watson also touted MetroWorks, a recently revamped program that provides companies with discounted 31-day public transit passes to offer to their employees.
The MetroWorks deal enables employees near transit stops to receive up to 20 percent off rides, while government employees can receive up to 30 percent off and higher education employers can receive up to 35 percent off, she said.
Fifteen employees from Mutual Mobile, a downtown-based tech agency, recently utilized the MetroWorks discount. Twelve of those 15 employees chose to continue using public transit, enabling Mutual Mobile to save $10,500 annually on those employees' parking spaces, allowing the company to provide monthly bonuses to those 12 participants.
The new program will not affect existing deals with higher education entities such as Austin Community College or The University of Texas, Watson said.
