Metro Atlanta Ranked Top in 2011 Congestion Corridors Report

Written by The Clean Air Campaign

Commuters traveling stretches of GA 400 and Interstate 75 experience some of the worst commutes in the United States. They also lose $16 a day in fuel.  A new study released today by the Texas Transportation Institute, that calculates how reliable roadways are by measuring congestion, showed that GA 400 from the Toll Plaza to I-85, topped the list as the worst commute for metro Atlanta drivers.

It was followed by a 4.7 mile stretch on GA 400 between Old Milton Parkway and Holcomb Bridge Road, which is said to have cost commuters $12.8 million and 289,000 gallons of fuel between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. in 2010.

To save time and money, The Clean Air Campaign suggests the following commute alternatives for metro Atlanta drivers:

• Carpooling: Share the ride – you can cut your fuel costs in half, plus save time by using the HOV lane.
• Vanpooling: Vanpoolers save money on gas and car expenses and can keep 10 cars off the road every day.
• Transit: Save on fuel by avoiding driving altogether. Using transit for part or all of your commute also means you're reducing air pollution and traffic. 
• Telework: Avoid traffic and fuel costs altogether by working from home. 
• Bike or Walk: Save 100% on fuel costs while avoiding traffic.
• Rearranging your work schedule: Instead of changing how you get to work, you might try adjusting when you get there.

Commuters who ditch the solo ride by choosing a commute alternative can earn up to $100 cash and gift cards ranging from $25 to $60 through the Clean Air Campaign’s Commuter Rewards program.