As Utah continues to experience unprecedented growth, challenges inevitably follow. To address some of the transportation challenges created by this growth, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) developed TravelWise -- a set of strategies that encourage Utahns to use alternatives to driving alone. The state of Utah is asking individuals,
businesses and organizations to implement TravelWise
strategies in an effort to reduce energy consumption, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, ultimately improving the quality of life in Utah. TravelWise Strategies Include:
*Alternative Work Schedules - Flexible work hours and compressed workweeks offer employees the ability to vary their work schedule by working fewer days or shifting the time they work. Typically, a compressed workweek is four days of 10-hour shifts, three days of 12-hour shifts or nine-hour shifts with one day off on alternating weeks. Flexible work hours consist of standard eight-hour days with shifted start and end times. For example, someone working flexible work hours might arrive at the office at seven and leave at four, as opposed to working a standard eight-to-five day.
*Biking and Walking- This type of transportation is gaining popularity as healthy, efficient and sustainable means of transportation. Because of this increase in popularity, the number of bike lanes and trails is growing and transit is accommodating cyclists. Greater consideration is also being given to ensure that communities are more walkable. Carpooling/Vanpooling - In light of shifting economic times, swelling urban populations and increasing concern for the environment, more and more people are integrating carpooling into their routines. Carpooling involves more than one person traveling together in a car and can be used for many occasions including commuting to work, attending special events or taking kids to school, practices or recreational activities. This strategy requires some coordination of schedules, but can be easily implemented to achieve significant results.
*eTravel - e-traveling by using the Internet or phone instead of going out has become such a major part of our lives, that sometimes we don't even realize we are doing it. Shopping online, downloading a video or making a phone call instead of taking a trip are just a few of the ways that you can e-travel.
*Public Transit - The use of public transportation has been on the rise in recent years. In Utah, this can be attributed in part to its increased availability. With the development of TRAX, the building of the FrontRunner commuter rail and the growing number of bus routes and services, people are once again recognizing the convenience of public transportation.
*Teleworking - It's time to get even more benefit from technology. Teleworking is possible from just about anywhere - from home, a telecenter, the local coffee shop or anywhere that has a wireless Internet connection. Teleworking can include conference calling or video conferencing for meetings instead of driving to an off-site location or working from a remote office.
*Trip Chaining - Trip chaining and planning your trips to avoid rush hour traffic are hassle-free ways to TravelWise. Trip chaining involves grouping errands or other activities into one trip instead of returning home in between each one. The more errands you group together, the more vehicle trips you save. Planning your errands or other trips to avoid peak traffic hours is also a great way to save time and money.
*Use Technology - Sometimes there's nothing you can do to avoid taking a trip. There are many tools available today to help you choose the best route to your destination. You can also use technology to track your travel patterns and see how making little changes can make a big difference.
