Capital Metro will roll out service changes in May which will include a total rerouting of the downtown ‘Dillo bus system

For more information, contact:

Ted Burton, Public Relations Manager, 389-7550

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 30, 2000

CAPITAL METRO EMPLOYEES PLEDGE TO LEAVE CARS AT HOME

Capital Metro employees will be leaving their cars parked at home and riding buses, vanpools, and carpools to work next month. September is “Commute Solutions Month.” Several non-profit organizations and government agencies are joining forces in September to find commute solutions. This year’s “Commute Solutions Month” theme is “Your Ride is Here.”

The idea behind Commute Solutions month is to encourage people to try new ways of getting to work that help relieve traffic congestion, improve air quality, save money on gas, and make commutes more relaxing and enjoyable. Every Friday in September will have a different commuting theme.

September 1: Bus to Work Friday

September 8: Tele-Commute Friday

September 15: Bike to Work Friday

September 22: Vanpool to Work Friday

September 29: Carpool to Work Friday

On Thursday, August 31, Capital Metro General Manager Karen Rae will encourage employees to take part in the Commute Solutions Month Challenge. Employees who commute to work during the month of September will log the miles they normally would have driven in their car. During Commute Solutions Month last year, Capital Metro employees shared 875 trips to and from work with co-workers.

The idea is to promote different travel options so employees will continue to commute to work in vanpools, carpools, and on bikes and buses throughout the year. At the end of September, Capital Metro will let you know how many single-occupancy vehicle trips were avoided thanks to CMTA employees.

Commute Solutions Month is a statewide program. In Austin, it’s sponsored by Capital Metro, the Texas Natural Resources and Conservation Commission, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Clean Air Force, the City of Austin, and the Downtown Austin Alliance.

On Tuesday, September 5, the Commute Solutions Partners will kick off the month with a rally and concert at 11:55 a.m. at Regents Plaza (West Sixth and Colorado).

More information about the Commute Solutions Concert is on the way.