 In addition to reducing the pollution per mile traveled, it is necessary to reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled. This is especially important in a metropolitan area with a large, growing population. NCTCOG's goal is to increase public awareness about air quality programs and to increase the use of transit, carpools, vanpools, telecommuting, and other alternative commute options. Some programs offer incentives, such as prizes, for driving less, lower insurance premiums, or cash allowances.
- Air Quality Public Relations Program: This public awareness campaign encourages public participation in key elements of the State Implementation Plan through a single regional message. Strategies include paid advertising, public service announcements, media relations, special events, and business community outreach.
- Expanded Mobile Source Emission Reduction Measures: This includes implementing of Commuter Tracking , Employer Trip Reduction Program Website, Rail, HOV, Intersection Improvements, Carpools, Vanpools, and Bicycle and Pedestrian projects, etc., in addition to projects committed in the State Implementation Plan.
- Local Government Vehicle Routing: NCTCOG will work with local governments to reduce vehicle miles traveled by implementing efficient vehicle routing using geographic information systems.
- NCTCOG Try Parking It Website: This Web site measure the number of trips reduced and miles saved through alternative commute use. Visit www.tryparkingit.com.
- North Texas Clean Air Coalition: This group of civic and business leaders encourages voluntary efforts to improve air quality in North Texas through educating, motivating, and recognizing the business community.
- Ozone Season Lunch Bag Program: This project strives to reduce motor vehicle emissions associated with lunchtime travel as well as increase air quality awareness. Individuals willing to participate will be asked to sign a pledge card, pledging to eat lunch at work, take transit, and/or walk to lunch instead of driving to another location. In turn, they will be provided with an insulated lunch bag bearing the program’s logo. The program is designed to positively impact driving behaviors at lunchtime all year.
- Park-and-Ride Facilities: These are lots where commuters may park their cars and catch an express/commuter bus, rail, or carpool/vanpool.
- Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance: Pay-As-You-Drive (PAYD) pricing converts insurance to a variable cost with respect to vehicle travel, so premiums are directly related to annual mileage. PAYD pricing makes vehicle insurance more actuarially accurate, allows motorists to save money when they reduce their mileage, and provides opportunity for reduced vehicular emissions.
- Vehicle Use Restrictions: Vehicle restrictions include various regulatory strategies to limit automobile travel at a particular time and/or place to reduce vehicular impact to regional air quality.
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