Commuter Choice
Maryland Newsletter
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With COVID-19, many of our Maryland Department of Transportation employees are working remotely from home, like many of you, and taking the necessary precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We remain committed to keeping you informed and updated, so that we can all support each other during this difficult time. We wish you and your family good health. You will find teleworking tips and
other resources as you read this newsletter, as we know many employers are requiring or strongly encouraging their employees to telework as well. For those that are commuting, we hope you will find your commute easier and that you remain safe.
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The Benefits of Teleworking
Teleworking had already become more common and popular throughout Maryland, with 41% of commuters in the Baltimore region working from home at least once a month, and on average, two days a month (2017, BMC Public Transportation Choice Study) There is no better
time than now to implement teleworking for your employees to help them avoid germs and stay healthy. As more businesses implement telework policies, we want to share tips to support your employees in their effort to productively work remotely.
You will find teleworking tips and other resources below. We hope these will be helpful, as at the Governor's direction, many employers are requiring or strongly encouraging their employees to telework. For those that must commute, we hope that you will find your commute easier and that you remain safe.
Technology is your friend when working remotely. Laptops, tablets, and mobile phones are important tools to complete your work and effectively communicate with your supervisor and other co-workers. There are plenty of tools available in today's market to help with video conference calls, team meetings, and collaborating on documents. Some resources include: Microsoft TEAMS, Zoom, GoTo Meeting, Skype, and Google Hangouts.
During these unique COVID-19 circumstances, we are adjusting our strategies to best support our customers during these changing times - focusing on outreach via social media, newsletters, and other digital platforms. We hope many businesses will embrace teleworking, even just once a week, when work resumes at office locations, now that we have firsthand experience during COVID-19 on how productive employees can work remotely.
Commuter Choice Maryland has put together some key telework tips to help you stay healthy, safe, and productive. Click the image to view the full screen version:
Commuter Choice Maryland also has "A Guide to Telework for Employers" available on our website to help businesses with all their telework needs, as well as other telework resources, available below.
Other Telework Tips & Resources:
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Spotlight on the University of Maryland
Once the COVID-19 pandemic ends, students and faculty returning to campus should consider alternative commuting options. The following article outlines what the University of Maryland (UMD) was utilizing, before the pandemic, to mitigate climate change and promote a sustainable campus community, including Shuttle-UM, the Smart Commute program, and the Smart Commute cash-out
program.
"While we know that parking is still a necessity on our campus, we've made it a priority to introduce alternative commute options to our community."
- Anna McLaughlin, DOTS Assistant Director of Sustainability
To learn more about the University of Maryland's sustainability efforts and read the full story click here!
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New Guaranteed Ride Home Signs at Park and Ride Locations
in Maryland
Once everyone returns to their offices, Guaranteed Ride Home is another program commuters should explore. Over the past several weeks, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has been hard at work installing new Guaranteed Ride Home signs at various park
and ride locations in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, and Queen Anne's counties to provide easy access to this information. We would like to thank all of the hard working men and women from MDOT who helped with the planning, coordination, and installation of these signs.
Please help us spread the word about the free Guaranteed Ride Home program, where one can qualify for an emergency ride home if they bike, walk, take transit, carpool, and/or vanpool at least twice a week. To learn more, as well as register today, click here. |
Earth Day is on April 22nd. To celebrate our planet's health and with COVID-19 circumstances on the forefront of everyone's mind, we want to remind you to keep these commuting options in mind to commute greener when office buildings open up and people begin commuting again.
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Rideshare Coordinator
Spotlight: Alan S. Doran, Harford County
Alan S. Doran works at Harford County's Commute Smart as a Rideshare Coordinator and is a Commuter Choice Maryland partner. Rideshare Coordinators help local residents and businesses find the best options for them to commute or to provide employer benefits.
Gladys Hurwitz, with Commuter Choice Maryland, had the pleasure of interviewing Alan about his experience working with businesses and commuters, learning about how bike-friendlyHarford County is for commuters, and hearing what he loves most about his job.
To get in touch with Alan and to learn more about how he can help you, please see his contact information below.
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How much does your Commute Cost? Calculate your Commute Alternatives, Costs, and Savings
Are you considering a smarter commute but not sure where to begin? The Commuter Choice Maryland Commuter Cost Calculator will help you determine the best commute options for you and how much you can save on gas, vehicle maintenance costs, and parking, as well as
provide information on the environmental benefits of switching to a carpool, vanpool, transit, telework, alternative work schedule, bike, or walk one or more times a week.
To utilize the calculator, simply input your home and work addresses, car information, preferred departure time, and the number of days you typically commute to work per week and let the tool show you your options!
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Commuter Choice Maryland hosts FREE quarterly webinars! Our next webinar will be held in June. If you cannot attend the live webinar, please check out our website as we post all previous webinars!
Previous webinar topics include: implementing teleworking and vanpools; business benefits of bike and walk friendly workplaces; employee commute options when planning a relocation; and commuter benefits.
To learn more about resources and tools that might work for you and/or your business and to learn about our webinars, please visit our website by clicking the button below.
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Activate a Healthier Lifestyle this Spring
Walking and bicycling outdoors can boost your spirits and renew your energy reserves—essential benefits for Marylanders as we all deal with the physical, psychological, and logistical issues related to social distancing. Amid the stresses of COVID-19, seeking the
solace of trails—or just walking outside of your home—may be an important strategy to combat cabin fever, get exercise, and experience nature. MDOT wants to make sure that you are staying safe and following the Governor's guidance.
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Earth Day
April 22 | Statewide
Maryland Walk Summit
June 3 | Hanover, MD
America's Small Business Development Centers'
Maryland Trainings & Workshops
Ongoing & Virtual | Statewide
Due to COVID-19 circumstances, events are subject to change. Please continue to monitor events you are interested in attending, as they may be canceled or postponed.
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The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a count of every person living in the United States every 10 years. The data collected by the census determines Maryland's representation in Congress, impacts local legislative districts, and is also used to distribute billions in federal funds
to local communities. Completing your census form ensures Maryland families, neighbors, and communities receive the support they need.
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For more information on Commuter Choice Maryland, please contact us at 410-865-1100 or email commuterchoice@mdot.maryland.gov. Representatives are available to assist Monday—Friday, 8:30 am—5:00 pm. Visit our website at: www.commuterchoicemaryland.com.
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