Print
More News

Program Aims To Reduce Vehicles On Roads, Incentivize Employers

By Johanna Cano, posted Nov 28, 2018
Wilmington residents and out-of-town commuters can find themselves stuck in traffic on congested roads, especially during peak hours when many of them drive to and from work.

A new initiative by the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) and Go Coast program aims to reduce the number of cars on roads by encouraging employers to provide resources or alternatives to driving.

The initiative was approved by the WMPO board in October, said Nick Cannon, transportation demand management coordinator at WMPO, in an email.

The Go Coast Commuter Friendly Employer Program will recognize local companies and businesses that provide opportunities for employees to mitigate traffic and reduce the number of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), according to a news release.

Through the initiative, employers can apply and receive a Go Coast Commuter Friendly Employer designation.

“It was created to recognize employers that improve the way people get to and from work,” Cannon said. “They are going the extra mile to help reduce traffic congestion in the Wilmington area and support TDM (transportation demand management) alternatives. TDM, in short, focuses on the efficient movement of people rather than just vehicles.”

There are three levels of designation: bronze, silver and gold.

To receive a bronze level designation, the employer would have at least one employee who serves on the Go Coast Committee and attends half of the GO Coast Committee meetings or the employer would promote Go Coast events and services to employees.

The silver level would require the employer to meet two additional criteria such as providing priority parking for carpoolers, providing bicycle and skateboard racks and electrical vehicle stations on the worksite.

To receive a gold designation the employers would need to meet one more criterion that could be providing an alternative work schedule allowing workers to work outside typical business hours or in staggered shifts. Employers could also allow employers to work from home on designated days or provide shuttles, bikes or park-and-ride lots.

The application was posted on the WMPO website in mid-November, so no employer had been given the designation as of earlier this week, but applications have continued to come in, Cannon said.

Employers who are commuter friendly will achieve more than help reduce the number of cars on the roads, he said.

“When an employer provides commuter friendly services to employees such as bike racks, special carpooling parking spots, alternative work schedules and much more, it attracts and retains employees by enhancing the work culture,” Cannon said. “It also shows that the employer cares about their workers more than just the hours they are at work.”

Employers designated as commuter-friendly will be listed on the Go Coast website and in all Go Coast publications, Cannon said.

The Go Coast program is part of the WMPO, a federally funded organization created in 1978.

“The goal of the program is to recognize employers who are helping make traffic in Wilmington and the surrounding area less of a headache for us all; and who are investing in programs and services that minimize the time a vehicle is on the road even as the region continues to grow,” he said.
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Screenshot2022 01 06at338 162234623

Food is the Foundation for Prosperous Communities

Girard Newkirk - Genesis Block
Untitleddesign2 4523114356

Cybersecurity and Productivity: Striking the Perfect Balance for Business Success

Barrett Earney - EarneyIT
Headshots march websized 2

Is Your Commercial Roof Ready for April Showers?

David Grandey - Highland Roofing Company

Trending News

Conservation Group Signs $8M Deal To Buy The Point On Topsail Island

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

National Organization Bestows Top Award On Cape Fear Professional Women In Building

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

Engineering Firm Hires Four Employees

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

N.C. Ports Officials React To Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

NCino's Fourth-quarter Earnings Signal Rebound From Liquidity Crisis

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 27, 2024

In The Current Issue

Hacking Cyberdefense Shortage

A shortage of cybersecurity professionals influenced professor Ulku Clark and her team to slowly evolve UNCW’s offerings to now include eigh...


Q&A: Andrews Reflects On Leadership

Pender County Manager David Andrews is slated to retire this summer after 33 years in local government....


Expanding Tastes On Castle Street

As John Willse and Beth Guertin, owners of Wilmington Wine bottle shop and now the recently opened Creative Tastings restaurant on Castle St...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments