The City of Austin is asking Austinites to participate in "ATX Detour Day."
There will be a high volume of commuters traveling in and around the city on Friday, March 9 being the most congested day in Austin due to the start of the South by Southwest Festival. The City is asking employers and employees, especially residents that commute downtown, to take an alternate commute option on this day and the following week.
The congestion is caused by students leaving for spring break and the visitors arriving in Austin for SXSW.
"As thousands of visitors come to the City and our residents turn out to the festivals, we ask commuters to think about their routine and how it can be adjusted, even slightly," said Rob Spillar, Austin transportation director.
The City suggests that employers allow “flex work hours,” such as 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. instead of 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. to avoid the congestion. Also, “Telework,” where employees get to work from an alternative location, or a “compress your work week,” where employers cut the commute by working fewer days with more hours; such as four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days.
Other commute alternatives the City suggests are biking, walking and public transportation if at all feasible, or taking advantage of carpool, vanpool and bikepool options.
"As our members have discovered, relatively small actions can make a big impact," said Lisa Kay Pfannenstiel, Movability's executive director. "Even a slight percentage of commuters changing the way they travel makes a dent in congestion, and the benefits extend to individuals, employers, and the region as a whole."
The City also asks to support the ATX Detour Day on social media by using #ATXDetourDay.
More information here.
