While transportation officials and business leaders wait for a massive overhaul of Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge that’s expected to take years to complete, they’re touting carpooling as a way to help reduce traffic congestion in the meantime.
The Department of Transportation and Development kicked off the ride-sharing initiative, dubbed the Commuter Krewe of Louisiana, this morning to promote carpooling as an alternative transportation method to ease traffic in the Capital Region. Business leaders along with DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson, Capital Area Transit System CEO Bill Deville, Baton Rouge Chief Administrative Officer Darryl Gissel and Louisiana Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne attended the launch event.
“We’re looking to the private sector and large employers to support the reduction of vehicles on the road,” Wilson says. “When you look at construction in the area, the widening of I-10, the congestion coming into Baton Rouge, this will be a small impact that goes a long way in terms of relief.”
Business groups like the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance, the Downtown Development District and Capital Region Industry for Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions, or CRISIS, have partnered with Commuter Krewe to get their members involved, Wilson says. Twelve worksites also agreed to take part in the ride-sharing program, including IBM, LSU, Southern University, L’Auberge Baton Rouge and Associated Grocers.
“The business community understands the more pressure they can take off roads at rush hour, the better they can move people and products across the region,” says CRISIS Executive Director Scott Kirkpatrick. “Ride-sharing absolutely has to be an element.”
Employers and individual commuters can sign up and get more information on Commuter Krewe at www.commuterkrewe.la. The website offers a ride-matching database to help commuters find others who live and work nearby to share rides.
Not only does carpooling help alleviate traffic, Wilson says, it also can provide savings in fuel consumption and omissions and offer a safer commute. Large employers like LSU anticipate a number of benefits stemming from the ride-sharing initiative.
“LSU is excited to be a Commuter Krewe partner as the reduction in cars traveling to the university daily will lead to an even more pedestrian-friendly and safe campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors and lower demand for parking spaces,” says Tammy Millican, LSU executive director of facility and property oversight, in an emailed statement. “It will also help reduce the university’s carbon footprint by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions associated with single-occupant vehicles.”
