Driving less = cleaner air

We’re exhausted!

Emissions from our tailpipes spew fine particles, polluting gases, air toxics, and even carbon dioxide ‑ and represent the largest source of air pollution in our region. These pollutants endanger our health and taint our environment, which is why reducing miles traveled is one of the most important actions we can take to protect air quality.

You can drive less by walking, biking and busing more. Other commute options include carpooling, vanpooling, or adopting alternative work hours by teleworking or flex-scheduling.

Below are some resources to get started. Try one - or several - and find one that works for you.

Commute Options:

• Commuter Challenge: Information and calculator on various commute options and related cost savings.

• Local transit agencies provide an array of information on commute options:

  • Community Transit

  • Everett Transit

  • King County Metro’s “Commuter Café:” Serving up... Different ways to commute!

  • Kitsap Transit Commuter Programs

  • Pierce Transit

  • Sound Transit

  • Washington State Ferries

• RideshareOnline.com provides you an easy way to find others who are interested in sharing their commute in a carpool or vanpool.

Biking

Taking a bike instead of the car reduces vehicle pollution, provides numerous health benefits, and is a lot of fun! Various local organizations and agencies provide information on bike-friendly routes for your commute, bike stations, and more.

• Bicycle Alliance of Washington

• Cascade Bicycle Club

• King County Bicycling Resources

• Seattle Bicycle Touring Club

Car sharing

If you’re ready to give up or at least downsize your “fleet” at home or work, a car-sharing service such as Zipcar can meet your occasional driving needs. With a fleet comprised of 98 percent f ultra or super ultra low emission vehicles, Zipcar is a great motor pool alternative for businesses and public agencies.

• Zipcar

Telework and flexible schedules

Perhaps it’s obvious – but a great way to cut back on your commute is to… commute less. And increasingly this can be done by teleworking, or adopting a compressed workweek or flexible schedule. These tools can reduce the amount of time spent on the road driving to and from work, as well as pollution generated from the daily commute. Plus, many employers find these programs increase productivity, boost employee morale, and reduce the need for office space and parking.

Visit Commuter Challenge for more information:

• Telework

• Compressed work week/flex time

Trip Linking

A cold engine pollutes up to five times more than a warm one. Reduce cold starts and protect the air by combining (linking) errands into fewer trips. For tips:

• It all adds up!