Car Pools Are Good Business

Ask any Orange County resident what the county’s most pressing problem is and the most common answer is traffic.

As exasperating as the problem itself, however, is the search for solutions. There is a lack of money, community agreement, commitment and leadership.

It has long been recognized that there are not enough public funds available to make all needed improvements in the county’s road and freeway system and that traffic will get worse before it gets better. One transportation official has warned that as bad as the traffic flow is today, it’s as good as it is going to get.

Unless steps are taken soon to decide on a strategy for action, the price county residents pay will be measured not only in dollars and cents but in a less desirable life style, an eroding economy and a deteriorating environment.

Supervisor Harriett M. Wieder, who also serves as chairman of the Orange County Transportation Commission, challenged county business executives last week to get more involved in resolving traffic problems.

Among other things, Wieder urged Orange County Chamber of Commerce members to change work hours and delivery schedules and to organize employee car pools to alleviate rush-hour traffic.

It’s a challenge that business executives dare not ignore.

Some far-sighted companies already offer incentives for employees to join car and van pools and to ride public transportation. Incentives include subsidizing part of the commuting costs and giving special parking privileges, monthly prizes and additional time off for car-poolers.

Those companies recognize that such steps benefit them directly as well as the community at large because, by reducing commuting time and employee stress, the measures also reduce employee turnover, absenteeism and tardiness, and improve efficiency and morale.

It is good business and good citizenship. And a positive step toward solving the county’s No. 1 problem. More companies should heed Wieder’s call.