NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL EVENT

Best Places to Work 2008 Awards Reception

September 25, 2008, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Doubletree Hotel, Rohnert Park

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As gas prices rise, what’s a commuter to do?

It was only a couple of years ago, as the increase in fuel prices began to grow exceptionally steep, that news reports indicated the added costs were not impacting the driving habits of Americans.

But as North Bay gas prices hint at a $5-a-gallon future and diesel is already there in some locations, there are signs that this community has hit the tipping point.

Commuters are looking for alternatives, and many businesses are seeking ways to be able to support their employees in this. Development of employee commute programs is gaining traction, and there are a number of options to assist employers.

The North Bay Leadership Council and the 511 Regional Rideshare Program are hosting a free workshop this Wednesday on how to implement an employee commute program. The 511 program provides a worksite analysis to help develop an implementation plan. For more information, go to www.511.org.

The city of Santa Rosa Transit Department, through a Transportation Fund for Clean Air grant, created a Free Ride program aimed at reducing the number

of single-occupant car trips taken. Incentives include discounted bus passes and movie tickets for participants that walk, bike or carpool at least 16 one-way trips a month. For more information, go to www.santarosafreeride.org.

The Napa Solano Commuter Information program provides free information and services for using alternative transportation, including bicycle and carpool incentives and an emergency ride home program. For more information, go to www.sta.dst.ca.us/commuterinfo.

In Marin County, the WalkBikeMarin initiative was started as part of a $25 million federal grant to encourage non-motorized transportation. Projects in this program include expanded infrastructure for walking and bike paths as well as education and outreach. For more information, go to www.walkbikemarin.org.

The county of Marin has also established a Green Commute program for its employees, providing a stipend for those who walk, bike, carpool or bus to work.

So with all these options out there and more, how are you going to get to work?

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