During a radio appearance on WTOP this month, I suggested that one of the ways to alleviate traffic congestion was for more people to work from home. That would take vehicles off the roads and passengers off Metro.
I received this e-mail from the head of a nonprofit telecommuting operation:
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
It was good to hear you promote telecommuting on WTOP, and as you requested, I am writing to you. There is so much we could do with telework/telecommuting to have a positive effect on our regional congestion, but both resistance and lack of support have been considerable.
Fairfax Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerald E. Connolly (D) and U.S. Reps. Frank R. Wolf (R) and Thomas M. Davis III (R) are vocal advocates. Fairfax County has a wonderful program.
Regrettably, Maryland, with its awful congestion, doesn't have any similar champions, although I have met with U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D), who has expressed his support. Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D) used to promote it.
Sen. Robert J. Garagiola (D-Montgomery) and Del. Jean B. Cryor (R-Montgomery) have worked with us for several years to try to get some state incentives passed.
The Telework Coalition (www.TelCoa.org; 202-266-0046, Ext. 101) and I would love to work with you on this. Where do we go from here?
Chick Wilsker
President and CEO,
Telework Coalition
Washington
Telecommuting is "a no-brainer that can be implemented immediately," Wilsker said.
As our roads reach the saturation point, Metrorail cars creak along at capacity and weak-kneed local governments add more and more residential and commercial development without the necessary accompanying improvements to the transportation system, we have got to get serious about working at home.
