Two local organizations join Reboot the Commute initiative

Two local employers, Geocent and Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic, have joined the Reboot the Commute initiative. Both organizations are individually pledging their commitment to help reducing the Charleston region’s traffic congestion. With the addition of these two organizations, 20 local businesses representing a collective workforce of more than 42,260 are participating in Reboot the Commute.

Launched in April 2019, Reboot the Commute is an employer-led traffic mitigation campaign, spearheaded by the Economic Leadership Council of Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA), that challenges other employers to help reduce regional traffic congestion. It includes an online guide that organizations can use to implement positive changes by encouraging alternative commuting strategies like telecommuting, staggered start times, ridesharing, changing the timing/approach to in-person meetings, and connecting employees to local transit resources like CARTA and LowcountryGO.

Addressing traffic congestion is a priority issue for business, academic, and community leaders throughout the three county region. According to the Charleston Center for Business Research, 80% of area commuters drive alone in a car to work. 60% commute between 6 and 8:30 a.m. If just 4 percent of the region’s commuters change their behavior during peak times, it could completely clear an entire lane of Interstate-526 for all 19 miles.

Each resident can immediately be part of the traffic solution by altering how and when they commute and encouraging others to do the same. Some strategies are not viable for certain companies and occupations, but there are many ways to avoid traveling during the most congested times, and the Reboot the Commute Guide outlines those for businesses and commuters alike. Every change will have a significant impact. Together, if we all do a little bit, we can solve our traffic problems and bring more work/life balance to our lives.