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Brownfields Revitalization Air Quality Smart Growth Water Quality Local Innovation
 Air Quality
Local Innovation
Clean Air Commuter Choice Project

Location: Dane County, WI

Area of Focus: Clean Air, Transportation

Local Contact
John Norwell
Dane County Highway and Transportation Department
City of Madison, (608) 266-4039
Background
Although it ranks as one of the nation's leading agricultural producers, Dane County is a diverse region that encompasses the Madison Metropolitan area and University of Wisconsin-Madison campus in addition to outlying rural communities. This urban core has experienced rapid growth in recent years, putting strain on roadway infrastructure and inviting sprawl into the surrounding countryside. Such uncontrolled growth has earned the City of Madison the designation of being one of the most sprawling communities in the United States; yet the city has also made numerous "top 10" lists for quality of life,
just recently being named one of the most livable communities in the country by Money Magazine.

In order to ensure that the community remains a desirable place to live, Dane County has partnered with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to tackle increasing traffic congestion and in turn combat a major source of air pollution that has resulted from the area's uncontrolled growth. By changing commuter behavior, these partners hope to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 73,500 per year, reduce hydrocarbon emissions by 5.7 tons per year, demonstrate how governmental agencies and a large university can work together to achieve transportation demand management (TDM) goals, and establish a model, innovative Commuter Choice program for public agencies that is replicable.

Current Activities and Accomplishments:
Through their partnership, Dane County and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have made significant strides in addressing air quality issues in the region. Highlights of accomplishments to date:

  • Project partners have completed the first phase of a In Car Meter Parking Program, which uses a personal debit card reader to charge people for parking on an individual basis. This system encourages less driving, since individuals will pay less if they drive (& park) less often.

  • The partnership has created a Universal Access Bus Pass Program for all 23,000 University employees that will permit them to travel for free on all city bus routes.

  • The partners are developing the new "Catch a Carpool" Program and website, which will provide commuters with secure on-line access to a searchable list of individuals interested in carpooling and will enable participants to log on and find rides on an “as needed” basis.

  • The partnership is developing telecommuting options for Dane County and University employees. Preparations are underway to examine the feasibility of telecommuting for all county job positions.



Updated Date: 08/03/2010

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