Midtown Transportation: Liberating District Workplaces and Commuters from Traffic Since 2001
For the past three years, metro Atlanta residents have identified time stuck in traffic as the region’s most pressing problem, according to an Atlanta Regional Commission survey. While driving alone to work is the go-to option for 82% of commuters in the metro area, more Midtown-bound commuters are choosing alternatives. Our latest community survey found that out of every five Midtown commuters, two of them arrive here by doing something other than driving alone. They’re getting encouragement from their workplaces – and help from Midtown Alliance at no cost – to ride the bus or train, bicycle, carpool or choose other commute options. Because we all know the happiest and most productive workers are the ones who aren’t mired in traffic.
Midtown Alliance Partners with 150+ Workplaces on Commute Options Programs
Midtown Transportation, a program of Midtown Alliance, has existed for more than 15 years as part of a regional strategy to reduce demand for car travel at peak periods on major roadways and improve air quality. The program provides free consulting services to more than 150 Midtown workplaces and tens of thousands of commuters. Employer and property manager partners working with Midtown Transportation have recently won awards for their success with changing the way their employees and tenants get to work, including Southern Company Gas, TSW Design and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
“We all understand that the region cannot build its way out of traffic,” said Midtown Alliance CEO Kevin Green. “This conversation is about how Midtown employees and tenants can make the very best use of the transportation network we have today while improving their own commute experience. It’s a win-win, and we appreciate the foresight our business community partners are demonstrating through their participation in commute options programs.”
Midtown Commuters Reclaim Time and Save Money with Commute Options
Midtown’s transportation network has a lot to offer commuters, regardless of where they start their trip. The district is served by four MARTA heavy rail stations, all located within a 6-minute walk to most office buildings. More than 38 long-haul regional commuter bus routes serve the area, operated by GRTA Xpress, Cobb Community Transit, and Gwinnett County Transit. And new facilities for the City of Atlanta’s Relay BikeShare program recently went live in Midtown for shorter trips within the district. When expressed in terms of quality of life, the common denominator for any of these or other options is evident: workers can reclaim time out of their day and save money when they choose to get out from behind the wheel, even if only for a few days a week.
Full Slate of Resources and Support Help Commuters Make the Switch
Often, commuters need help getting started with these options. Midtown Transportation provides personalized route planning and orientation services to more than 27,000 workers in the district each year, and connects people to regional resources including financial incentives, a Guaranteed Ride Home program (free taxi ride) in cases of emergencies and more. To raise awareness of these commute options programs, Midtown Transportation hosts 50+ community engagement events annually that draw more than 3,500 participants, including district-wide events like Try Transit, the Midtown Walk Challenge and the Atlanta Bike Challenge. Together, these offerings make up one of the most complete programs of its kind in the country.
Program Impact (past 12 months):
- 1,677,462 fewer drive-alone commuter trips in Midtown
- 62,000 transit passes sold by Midtown Alliance at a 10% discount to area employers
- 28,197,394 vehicle miles not traveled by Midtown commuters ... enough to make 1,100 trips around the planet
- 11,000 tons of pollution and CO2 kept out of the air we all breathe
- Read more in our 2016 annual report
Meet the Team
Led by a four-person staff, the Midtown Transportation program has been recognized nationally for its impact. Through the program, Midtown Alliance has partnered with more than 150 Midtown employers and property managers to develop and implement strategies to reduce traffic. Pictured from L-R: Dan Hourigan, Director of Transportation & Sustainability; Desiree Brooks, Program Administrative Coordinator; Katie Ryan, Senior Program Manager; Thomas Wynn, Program Manager.
Three Practical Ways You Can Take Action for a Better Commute this Season:
- Ask your HR manager or property manager whether your workplace is participating in these programs and encourage them to enroll by contacting us.
- Sign up for our monthly Midtown Mobility e-newsletter to receive information about upcoming events and more.
- Register for the 2017 Midtown Walk Challenge, taking place April 17 – 21. The purpose of this event is to encourage more commuters to get out and explore the district on foot. Expect daily games and lunchtime excursions, plus opportunities to win prizes. Mark your calendars for the week of April 17th and watch for more information soon.
