How Atlanta Residents Navigate Around Growing Commute Times

Formerly the hub of four major railroads, Atlanta has seen the comings and goings of millions of its residents and visitors alike. These days, Atlanta still continues to bear the weight of travelers making their way to and from their destinations whether it's by car, train or bus. Area commuters log a whopping 100 million vehicle miles traveled every business day and as the Atlanta population continues to grow, traffic and congestion can be a hassle. But don't fret! Whether you're driving along the interstate or traveling via public transportation or organized carpools, you're sure to find a simple and safe way to get to your desired destination.

Most residents travel each day on the major interstates that flow through the city. Interstates 20, 75, 85 and 285 will get you nearly anywhere you need to go in the Atlanta area. While the city has come under fire due to jam packed interstates resulting in longer commute times, local officials and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) have developed several ways to help drivers battle gridlocked roads.

NaviGAtor, the GDOT's Intelligent Transportation System, is a great tool for commuters to stay on top of the ever changing flow of traffic. Simply logon to the website before getting on the road and instantly you'll find current travel conditions for many of Georgia's major roadways. Problem areas due to traffic accidents or construction will be clearly highlighted alerting commuters that alternate routes might be necessary. Additionally, the GDOT has installed electronic billboards on interstates throughout the city that display traffic times as well as detour information when necessary. While these measures don't prevent heavy traffic, they certainly better prepare commuters to deal with it.

For commuters who want to avoid driving along Atlanta's busy interstates, the city's transit system offers a user-friendly alternative. The Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) operates 46 miles of high-speed rail, 38 rail stations and 200 bus routes. Nearly one million passengers use MARTA to travel along the approximately 1,600 miles in Fulton and Dekalb County that the system covers. Other counties that operate public transit systems include Cobb, Gwinnett and Clayton. Residents in Canton, located in Cherokee County, have access to a shuttle service that travels to many of the area's popular establishments.

Partly in response to metropolitan area residents that live in counties without public transit, the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority launched Xpress, metropolitan Atlanta's newest public transportation service. This new commuter transportation service features luxury coaches and transports riders from 11 metropolitan area counties each weekday.

Another great option for residents who commute each day is 1-87-RIDEFIND. The service matches commuters in the Atlanta area with potential carpool partners and/or vanpools with open seats. Commuters who use the service often experience shorter travel times than non-carpoolers thanks to HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes. It's also a great way to conserve gas, and limit harmful emissions caused by growing numbers of vehicles on Georgia roads. While carpooling sounds like a great idea, some worry about the inconvenience of not having their vehicles in the case of an emergency.

One of the added bonuses of 1-87-RIDEFIND is the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) feature. GRH offers commuters who carpool or vanpool up to five free taxi rides home from work each calendar year in the event of an emergency. If a commuter has a family emergency, unforeseen work obligations such as overtime, or sickness, they can take advantage of this service. Investigating whether 1-87-RIDEFIND is the option for you is as simple as calling the toll-free number or logging on to the organization's website.

Every major metropolitan area faces challenges in facilitating the needs of its residents, especially when it comes to traffic issues. Atlanta officials have instituted a number of measures to ease congestion and additional modifications to infrastructure will be made over the next few years to further accommodate the growing population and number of vehicles on Atlanta area roads. While commute times in the city are on the rise, local government measures as well as planning and patience on the part of Atlanta commuters will play a great role in making sure everyone reaches their destination as simply and safely as possible.

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