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Press
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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City Employees Leaving Cars Behind –
Dramatic Increase in Transit Use Free
bus passes, transit vouchers, and other policies reduced “drive alone”
rate to 36%, half the average for Alameda County. BART and AC Transit use
nearly doubles in just four years. Berkeley, CA –
A survey of City of Berkeley employees found a dramatic increase in
the use of public transit and a decrease in the number of people driving
to work over the past four years. The
results indicate the City’s transit policies – including free bus
passes, subsidized BART tickets, and other efforts – are making a
significant difference. The survey, which was detailed in a report
to the Berkeley City Council this week, found that the number of Berkeley
City employees driving alone to work has dropped from 47% to 36% since
2001. During the same period,
BART use increased from 13% to 20% and AC Transit use increased from 6% to
14%. The number of employees
biking and walking to work also increased slightly during that time. (A full copy of the report is available here.)
By comparison, according to U.S. census
figures, 71% of Alameda County residents drive alone to work.
Only 4% take the bus and 3% take BART.
During the past five years, the City
initiated a number of programs to reduce the number of city employees
driving to work. All city
employees are provided a free AC-Transit pass, subsidized “Commuter
Checks” which allow employees to purchase BART and other transit
tickets, contracted with “City CarShare” to make vehicles available to
employees for work-related trips, and other steps.
In addition, the City has been increasing the cost of parking and
reducing the number of employee parking spaces, while increasing the
number of subsidized carpool parking spaces. In
recognition of these programs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
named Berkeley as one of the best workplaces for commuters. “The City has put together a full range
of alternative transit options and provided incentives for employees to
use them. This survey is
proof that our policies are working,” said Mayor Tom Bates.
“The City’s modest investment has eliminated thousands of
vehicle trips per year, reduced congestion on our roads, and cut down on
emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases.
It is another example of Berkeley leading the way.” On Tuesday, the City Council is set to vote on a renewal of the free employee bus pass program, known as the “Eco Pass.” # # # |
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