Van Pools Blog
TTI Study Characterizes Slight Dip in Traffic Congestion as “lull, not a trend”
September 15th, 2009 0 CommentsThe Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University recently released their annual Urban Mobility Report on traffic congestion in 439 urban areas throughout the United States. While Research Engineer, Tim Lomax, and Associate Research Scientist, David Schrank reported a modest decline in overall traffic congestion. They were quick to describe it as a temporary aberration brought about by the double whammy of escalating fuel prices and the sudden onset of the recession. The study goes on to predict more time wasted in traffic jams and more fuel consumed by the commuting public once the economy begins to recover. Not surprisingly, the study recommends ridesharing as a logical tool in the battle to reduce traffic congestion in our country.
Traffic Unwrapped: The Benefits of Ridesharing
August 13th, 2009 0 CommentsWant to see how sharing the ride can help lower traffic congestion? Check out this simple illustration by Atlanta’s Clean Air Campaign.
Just another example of how vanpooling makes it easier to get to work.
It is the Season for Road Repairs and Lane Closures
August 12th, 2009 0 Comments
By Andy Bawden
VPSI’s Loss Prevention and Vanpool Safety Manager
In the summer, many parts of the country perform necessary road repairs on busy highways. An experienced driver approaches a road repair area cautiously and courteously. To allow all traffic to get to their destinations, a few tips will help. Avoid the tendency to be a “cop” by driving slowly blocking the full use of the lane. Instead allow the use of all lanes and allow traffic to flow and merge where the lane ends. Stay cool during the heat of summer road work.
Kold News 13 has posted some helpful tips for when you’re driving near these zones. For example, “Expect the Unexpected. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be restricted, and people may be working on or near the road.” For tips like these and more, check out their write up here: http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?s=3901660
Going Nowhere Fast?
July 22nd, 2009 0 CommentsDid you know the average American spends a week’s worth of vacation time just sitting in traffic…every year? In fact, the time we spend in traffic jams has risen from 14 hours in 1982, to 36 hours in 2007 – wasting a whopping 24 gallons of gasoline, according to the Texas Transportation Institute.
What has caused this spike in hours sitting on the roadways? The issues stem from many problems, dating back to decisions made decades ago. Take for example the flee from cities to suburbs encouraged by years of Federal housing and highway policies. With limited routes in and out of subdivisions, imagine all the traffic that exists from people trying to get to the same place around the same time.
For more on the traffic congestion nightmare, check out this Wall Street Journal editorial.
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The South Florida Vanpool Program [operated by VPSI] has been a real benefit! The cost savings alone makes the venture ... Read More
Have you considered starting a vanpool? Jump on the vanwagon! Beginning in January of 2005 I teamed-up with 13 other American ... Read More
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