A Solution To The Daily Commute?
by Jim Melwert
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Traffic jams, parking, an over-taxed public transit system. All factors of our daily commutes. And, as they go unaddressed, a continued drag on the economy and productivity.
The answer, according to a commuter advocate, is to encourage private sector involvement.
David Strauss, executive Director of Association for Commuter Transportation, says the estimated cost of lost productivity and other economic impacts due to congestion on roads and highways rings up to about $124 billion a year.
"And that number is predicted to grow by 50% by 2030 when it will cost each and every commuter roughly $2,300 a year in lost economic activity," said Strauss.
Strauss was the keynote speaker at the Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association's annual meeting this week. He says the private sector needs to be encouraged to help solve the congestion issue, and some have already begun.
"Progressive businesses know that to succeed today you need to be helping your employees get to work," he said.
Strauss says private sector involvement is crucial in planning and development of future transportation systems.
