So I met with someone today and they wanted to know some things they could do at their office to encourage people to walk, bike, bus, carpool/vanpool etc. all year long.  Here are some of my suggestions:

Initial ideas to keep sustainable commuting going all year long

1. Develop an employee orientation packet so that new hires know all of their options.

1. Offer as many incentives as possible to encourage sustainable transportation (e.g. a commuting subsidy or participation in the Commuter Tax Benefit).

1. Develop a “Commuter info station” at your work either virtually or in a real location to provide up to date information on riding the bus, etc.

1. Find ways to provide incentives for sustainable transportation all year ‘round by offering little gifts when people use an option.

1. Learn what all of the options are and make sure people know how to use their options.

1. Use getDowntown as a resource

1. Highlight individuals within your organization who already use sustainable modes and make sure others know they are doing this.

1. Participate in Commute Chat

1. Ask getDowntown to come and do a workshop on site once a year

1. Encourage employees to use alternatives during the work day as well as getting to work, options such as the Link, Zipcar, biking, etc.

1. Consider offering incentives to encourage employees to live closer to work.

1. Create a sustainability plan or eco-friendly office program with goals so that there is something the team can work on all year round. Provide information so that people know how the group is doing.

Feel free to add your own!

AATA to detour routes around Art Fair

FYI, from the AATA:

Twelve Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) bus routes will be detoured around the Art Fair Townie Street Party, July 14, and the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, July 16-19.

Routes to be detoured during the set-up and operation of the Townie Party are Routes 2 – Plymouth, 9U – Jackson-University, 12UL – Liberty-University, 14 – Geddes-East Stadium and 36 – Wolverine Tower Shuttle.

During the four-day Art Fairs, the above routes will be on detour, along with Routes 5 – Packard, 6 – Ellsworth, 7 – South Main-East, 8 – Pauline, 12B – Liberty-Miller, 15 – Scio Church-West Stadium and 16 – Ann Arbor-Saline Road.

For further details on the detour routing, visit www.TheRide.org, or call 734.996.0400.