Commuter Choice
Maryland Newsletter
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With COVID-19, many of our Maryland Department of Transportation employees are at home working remotely just like many of you. We remain committed to keeping you informed, educated, and updated. As you read this newsletter, you will find teleworking tips and other resources to help as we know many employers continue to require or strongly encourage their employees to telework. For those that are commuting, we hope you will find
your commute easier and that you remain safe. From the MDOT family to yours, we wish you and your family a safe, productive, and fun summer and that all remain healthy.
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How Working from Home during COVID-19 has Benefited the Environment
In early 2020, many businesses shifted to a remote work environment, if feasible, due to COVID-19. Employees were required or strongly encouraged to work from home. The change in commuting patterns, while presenting challenges to the economy, has provided benefits to the environment. A draft report recently released, by the Maryland Department of Environment’s (MDE) Climate Change Program, along with other, preliminary research, shows:
- A 40% decrease in traffic on the roads
- The Governor’s stay-at-home order resulted in a 27% decrease in state-wide weekly traffic activity
- A 50-80% reduction in Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
- Levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2), which is the most prevalent Greenhouse Gas (GHG) linked to climate change, in the air are below existing trends by approximately 25%
- A significant reduction in satellite measurements of nitrogen dioxide, which is an indicator for combustion related emissions
- Levels of air pollutants, like ozone and smog, were estimated to have decreased by 15-18% in urban areas
Once office buildings start re-opening, one of the most effective ways an organization can continue to make a positive impact on the environment is by promoting and expanding telework policies. By offering remote work alternatives, flexible work hours, other ridesharing and transit opportunities, as well as reducing the number of employees commuting to the office, our air quality and environment will continue to improve.
To learn more about commuter benefits, including telework, and to take advantage of our remote work resources, please visit www.commuterchoicemaryland.com.
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Lunch & Learn May Webinar Series
With so many of Maryland employees working at home, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Commuter Choice Maryland program wanted to provide inspiration and knowledge from other Maryland businesses and their lessons learned regarding telework. A webinar series hosted in May highlighted Maryland business leaders sharing their insight on best practices, lessons learned, and how they adjusted to a new remote work culture during the COVID-19
Pandemic.
Upcoming Webinar with Yakabod
Are you ready to get inspired and learn about the business benefits of supporting healthy commute options, such as biking, for your employees? In this upcoming webinar, you will learn about available programs and best practices to support an active commute, and
commuter inspiration for a post COVID-19 environment from a Maryland business perspective.
Join Commuter Choice Maryland on July 10th at 12 PM (EST) for the Maryland Business Best Practices: Benefits of a Bike Work Culture Webinar with special guest Scott Ryser, Founder & CEO of Yakabod Federal Solutions.
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Spotlight on Assedo Consulting
When Odessa Phillip launched Assedo Consulting, a Laurel-based firm focusing on transportation, infrastructure, and public parks, eight years ago, she had a clear vision of the kind of company she wanted to lead and the tools she needed to get there. She implemented a telework program, allowing
all of her employees to work from home one day a week, and also gave her employees schedule flexibility on other days of the week.
“We offer telework because it helps us be a responsible steward of the environment, which is a core value for our company, and it helps us recruit and retain employees.”
- Odessa Phillip, President and CEO
To learn more about Assedo’s telework program and bike-friendly workplace, and to read the full story, click here!
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Tips of the Quarter: Working Remotely During COVID-19
As many businesses continue to operate under a remote work environment due to COVID-19, Commuter Choice Maryland wanted to take this opportunity to share some telework tips to keep in mind to stay happy, healthy, and productive:
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Did you know walking is Maryland’s official exercise? There are many health benefits to walking, such as boosting immunity, reducing risk of chronic diseases, easing joint pain, and improving productivity, just to name a few. Here are some tips to help you incorporate walking into your daily routine and to get the most out of your walks:
- Wear comfortable, lightweight tennis shoes with proper support
- Make a playlist with your favorite upbeat songs
- Start with short 10-20 minute walks at a slower pace and work your way up to longer, faster walks
- Drink lots of water before, during, and after your walk to stay hydrated
- Vary your route to keep your walks exciting
MDOT, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, the Maryland Department of Planning, and AARP, will host the first ever “Walktober” this fall. Join us throughout the month of October for webinars and other fun events to celebrate Walk Maryland Day on October 7, 2020. More information is forthcoming, so keep an eye out on our website and social platforms.
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Rideshare Coordinator Spotlight: Lillian Bunton, Baltimore and Carroll Counties
Lillian Bunton is the Rideshare Coordinator for both Baltimore and Carroll counties, and works for The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), which serves as the Council of Governments for Central Maryland. 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 Lillian about her experience working with businesses and commuters, insight on how commuters are traveling to work from Baltimore and Carroll counties, what she enjoys most about her job, and what she loves about working with Commuter Choice Maryland.
To get in touch with Lillian and to learn more about how she can help you, please see her contact information below.
lbunton@baltometro.org
410-732-6000
metrorideshare.com
To read the full interview with Lillian, click here!
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Upcoming Events & Other News
Due to COVID-19, events are subject to change. Please continue to monitor events you are interested in attending, as they may be canceled or postponed.
Commuter Connections Recognized Three Employers for Excellence in Commuter Alternative Programs
Last month, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Commuter Connections’ program honored three local employers for their exceptional commitment to offering and promoting innovative and sustainable commute alternative programs at its 23rd annual Employer Recognition Awards. Commuter Connections recognized Abt Associates of Rockville, MD, United Therapeutics Corporation of Silver Spring, MD, and ANA Enterprise of Silver Spring, MD with awards for their
incentives, marketing, and teleworking programs, respectively. These programs help reduce traffic congestion, personal expenses, auto emissions, and improve the quality of life for their employees and the region. Together, they reduced a total of more than 2.1 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and collectively saved more than 113,000 gallons of gasoline per year.
For more information on Commuter Connections’ Employer Recognition Awards, click here.
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The 2020 Census is underway, and we want every Marylander to have their voice heard.
The Census is conducted every ten years and helps shape important decisions for the decade to come. Census results help determine how much Maryland receives in federal funding for:
- ● Transportation, including public transit grants
- ● Section 8 housing
- ● Community development
- ● Rural water and waste disposal systems
Did you know it’s estimated that every Marylander counted in the Census equates to almost $20,000 in federal funding over 10 years? Taking the Census ensures your community receives its fair share of federal funding.
Already Taken the Census? Opt-in to receive materials and information to encourage others to complete the Census too. Help spread the word.
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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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