Alternative

Creative Work Weeks

Employees who have flexible work schedules either can avoid traveling at peak traffic hours or they can work longer hours each day to eliminate the commute one or more days per week. This can result in reduced peak-hour travel demand, and it is easier on the commuter. Creative work schedules are an effective congestion-management strategy. Elements in the program include:

Staggered Work Hours
Employees' starting and ending times are staggered by anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours in order to shift some people out of rush-hour traffic.

Compressed Work Weeks
The number of hours an employee works each day is increased so that the number of days they have to travel to work is decreased. This can take place over the course of a one- or two-week period. Common examples of this are the 4/10 (employees work four 10-hour days per week) and the 9/80 (during a two-week period, employees work 8 9-hour days, one 8 hour day, and have an extra day off every other week).

Flex-time employees are offered a window of time during the day within which they may begin and end work. The employer may set a group of core hours, such as 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but may allow employees to work flexible shifts between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Commuter Solutions staff can provide more information on the benefits of implementing creative work schedules.

Telecommuting Information

These days, moving information has become easier than moving people.

Telecommuting allows people to work from home by using telephones and modem-equipped home computers or laptops. Telecommuters usually work at home one to three days a week.

This arrangement can result in higher quality work at a lower cost. According to the Oregon Office of Energy, employers have noticed reduced absenteeism among their employees who telecommute. Telecommuters gain greater control of their work schedules and their lives. In addition, both businesses and individuals can earn tax credits by investing in whatever equipment needed to telecommute. Commuter Solutions staff offer information and referral services to anyone inquiring about telecommuting.

While it may not be appropriate for everyone or every job, those who can telecommute eliminate both the personal and environmental costs of their commute. It is quickly becoming the "new way of working."

For more information, please contact the Oregon Office of Energy regarding the Business Energy Tax Credits (BETC) program, visit their Web site at http://www.energy.state.or.us/, or call 1-800-221-8035.

Summer... Warm lazy days, fun in the sun... and air pollution.

When it's hot and calm, Eugene/Springfield's air quality suffers from higher pollution levels. This is not only unhealthy, but puts us at risk of exceeding national air quality standards

12 tips for better air quality

• Take the bus!
• Ride your bike
• Carpool
• Drive less - consolidate your errands into one trip.
• Don't buy higher - octane gasoline than your vehicle needs.
• Turn off your engine if stuck (waiting for a train or while in drive-up lines).
• Change your oil frequently and recycle the old oil.
• Don't top off your gas tank.
• Don't use your air conditioner until you really need it.
• Avoid using aerosol deodorant, hair spray and air freshener.
• Use electric or push mowers and avoid gas - powered equipment.
• Use a gas barbecue or use a chimney starter to fire up the coals.

Air Action Days

When temperatures are hot and smog levels begin to rise, Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority will issue a pollution advisory. On these days, Air Action Days, you can help prevent smog by choosing the tips that work best for you! Watch your favorite local TV news for daily air quality reports.

IT ALL ADDS UP TO CLEANER AIR!

Visit the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency website for more information