In Atlanta, rush hour commuters get paid to take the bus

Commuters in Georgia can now earn up to USD 60 every six months in toll credits by taking the bus to work instead of the congested I-85.

Congestion on Atlanta’s Interstate 85 during peak hours is so bad that the state is now offering toll credits to commuters who take public transport to work instead.

The I-85 express lanes sees an average of 23,000 trips a day — a problem that Atlanta has attempted to curb in the past by rewarding users who carpool or avoid the dreaded 7-8am time-slot. Now, commuters can earn up to USD 60 every six months in toll credits by connecting their bus pass with their Peach Pass — the electronic toll collection device: they simply register for the pilot program and each time they take public transport instead of driving, they earn USD 2 in toll credits.

We have seen a number of similar initiatives — such as Singapore’s Urban Engines and Gothenburg’s free bicycles where governments offer incentives to promote greener, more pleasant travel. Could the scheme work in other traffic-heavy cities too?