Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. joined Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon in touting the "Travelwise" program for traffic management. The plan encourages companies to assist employees using public transportation, car pooling, van sharing and working from home.
The program's Web site -www.travelwise.utah.gov - includes several case studies of how employers saved money or offered low-cost alternatives to employees. For instance, Rio Tinto in South Jordan saved $800,000 in turnover costs and raised productivity 3 percent by staggering shifts and allowing job sharing. REI in Salt Lake City got a third of employees to bike, walk or share transportation during summer months by offering store discounts and recognition awards.
The campaign is meant to show businesses what's in it for them if they will encourage alternative transportation, Utah Department of Transportation spokesman Ken Connaughton said.
- Brandon Loomis
