sfenvironment.org

Driving Alternatives

Services Achievements Agencies Partners Events

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Using driving alternatives means making conscious choices on how you get to work aimed at reducing vehicle miles travelled, which will, in turn, relieve traffic congestion and help maintain good air quality.

Why are driving alternatives important? According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, "the mode of transportation that you choose has a greater impact on the environment then any other choice you make as a consumer." In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency has shown that leaving your car at home just 2 days a week will reduce your carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) emissions by 1,590 pounds per year. That's the climate equivalent of saving 82 gallons of gasoline! Making the right transportation choices could mean huge benefits for your wallet and the environment.

Since 1993, the City and County of San Francisco has been creating programs and incentives to support and encourage driving alternatives. Below is a list of such programs and incentives.

Services

Commuting Options for City & County of San Francisco Employees

Click here to learn about commuter programs available to City & County of San Francisco employees.

Commuting Options for City of San Francisco Businesses

Click here to learn about commuter programs available to San Francisco businesses.

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Achievements

Won the Environmental Protection Agency's "Way to Go!" Award for developing the San Francisco-San Mateo Video Conferencing Trip Reduction Project, 1996.

Won the American Lung Association's "Clean Air Envy" Award for best trip reduction program, 1996.

San Francisco named the "Bay Area's Best Workplace for Commuters" by the Environmental Protection Agency for alternative transportation programs offered to City employees, 2003 to 2007.

As of January 2009, over 4,600 City and County employees take advantage of Commuter Benefits.

As of February 2009, over 60,000 commuters signed up for the Emergency Ride Home program.

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Agencies

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency - Responsible for the city's bike plan and implementation of bicycle lane-related projects. Oversees both the Municipal Railway (Muni) and the Department of Parking and Traffic.

San Francisco County Transportation Authority - Administers the transportation sales tax measure that supports efforts to lessen traffic congestion.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District - regulates sources of air pollution within the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties; has recently launched a region-wide climate change initiative

Metropolitan Transportation Commission - the transportation planning, coordinating and financing agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

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Partners

San Francisco Bicycle Coalition - Local advocacy group working to transform San Francisco's streets and neighborhoods into more livable and safe places by promoting the bicycle for everyday transportation.

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Events

Bike to Work Day- Joint collaboration of SF Environment's Clean Air Program, SFMTA, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, and various other sponsors to encourage and support San Franciscans to use bicycles as a regular commute option.

Spare the Air - Regional campaign to promote reduced vehicle trips on days when hazardous air quality is anticipated. Hundreds of participating employers have reduced tons of pollution that would otherwise threaten compliance with state and federal air quality standards.

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