Parking. Not enough? Too expensive? Dear Helen: Our CEO is aware other companies are doing more than we are to encourage transit use, ridesharing and alternative work schedules. But he says such efforts make a small difference in solving congestion problems. How can I convince him otherwise? Stymied in SeaTac Dear Stymied: Are you ready for this? I agree with him. Short of shutting the doors of business and handing everyone a lay off notice in King County, I don't think I-5 will be transformed into a cow trail in my lifetime, or congestion "solved!" But each carpool, busload, bicycle and teleworker added together do make a difference in road capacity. Have you ever noticed how even a small increase in traffic (as little as 3 to 5%) can turn a normal commute into a nightmare? It's a bit like running water in the sink while you're doing dishes. Up to a certain rate of flow, the water drains out as fast as it comes in. If you open the tap just a little bit more, you'll need a mop before you know it! As King County continues to grow, and our freeways struggle to accommodate the flow of commerce and commuters, managing the increased demand will require a systems approach and continued collaboration between the public and private sectors. We must look at the freeways and other options, including the regional transit project, each as vital components of our local transportation system­one mode no less important than another to increase total capacity. A systems approach to managing demand on the freeways gives our region the most control over its destiny, and all the efforts toward mobility begin to add up. One key component is an enlightened business community, doing our part to encourage employees to consider other ways to work than driving alone­enlightened not only to our civic responsibility, but to the direct business benefits of a strong commuting program for employees. I hope you will share with your CEO information from Commuter Challenge not only about what other employers are doing to reduce trips but why it makes good business sense. You might end up being promoted to CFO! H.O.V.

BACK TO COMMUTER CHALLENGE HOME PAGE