Louisville, Colo.—As the US 36 Express Lanes Project nears completion, travel along the corridor is already showing significant improvement. Based on post-survey results from Commuting Solutions’ US 36 Congestion Mitigation Program, a two-year social marketing campaign designed to reduce traffic congestion and raise public awareness about commute options, more US 36 commuters are opting out of driving solo. Commuting Solutions Executive Director, Audrey DeBarros, explains, “To date, the program has contributed to a 40 percent reduction in drive alone trips by those who participated in the program, and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) have been reduced by 12,500. This is more than three times the VMT reduction that had been anticipated over the life of the program.” DeBarros adds, “To put it in perspective, there are about 500 fewer vehicles traveling the corridor each day.”
Commuting Solutions, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE), offers eligible commuters incentives to change commute behavior. US 36 Express Lanes Project Director, Scott Rees, says, “From bike to bus to van or car, now is a great time to try a new way of commuting on the US 36 Express Lanes.” Those who want to try RTD are eligible to receive a 10-ride Regional Ticket Book, valued at $40. New vanpool and carpool applicants are eligible to receive a $75 incentive. Funding for these incentives is available through the end of 2016. Incentive program details and the application are available at commutingsolutions.org.
Additionally, as a part of a US 36 Master EcoPass Pilot Program, 919 EcoPasses were distributed in 2015 and 733 have been distributed in 2016. An analysis of the 2015 EcoPass program indicates that the annual number of vehicle trips reduced by this group is 63,000 and the annual VMT reduction is estimated at 1,710,000. An analysis of first-year EcoPass participants indicates that drive alone trips were reduced by 19 percent, and transit use increased by 111 percent.
“We are thrilled to see more commuters taking advantage of the incentives program and altering their commuting behaviors. With the US 36 Express Lanes Project nearly complete, Commuting Solutions remains focused on inspiring commute behavior change to maximize use of the new transportation system on US 36,” says Audrey DeBarros.
About Commuting Solutions:
Commuting Solutions is dedicated to delivering innovative transportation options that connect commuters to their workplaces, businesses to their employees, and residents to their communities. Through advocacy for infrastructure and transportation improvements, partnerships and education, we create progressive, flexible transportation solutions. Be part of the progress along US 36, visit commutingsolutions.org.