Telecommunications and Alternative Work Schedules

Transit agencies are currently facing a multitude of problems, including declining ridership, reduced government subsidies, and increased operating costs. Rather than focus exclusively on investments and options that change the characteristics of transportation system supply, agencies can explore options that change the characteristics of the travel market, then trim service to accommodate the resulting, more efficient demand patterns. The effect of two demand management options—alternative work schedules and telecommunications systems—are described from the perspective of travel, employer, employee, and societal impacts. Recommendations for collaboration between the public and private sector are proposed to stimulate and guide the use of these options.