Escape the Rush

"Escape the Rush" is a source of information and resources on transportation alternatives.

Transportation Alternatives

The commuter choices and work arrangement strategies listed below as alternatives to the rush hour commute in a single occupied vehicle can result in significant benefits for both employer and employee. By encouraging different ways to work or get to work, companies everywhere are being rewarded with huge cost savings, and healthier, happier employees.

How It Started

Escape the Rush was created in 1999 as a public awareness campaign to illustrate the advantages of various strategies that encourage travel alternatives. One component of the program involved presentations and an information package for employers. During the closure of the Centre Street Bridge (August 1999 – September 2000) this program was expanded to include radio, television, newspaper and billboard ads that identified alternative work arrangements, carpooling, transit, cycling and walking as viable alternatives to driving alone.  During the 14-month bridge closure over 34,000 trips per day were displaced.  Alternative routes from the north became busier but delays were not unreasonable.  When the bridge reopened not all commuters returned to their old travel patterns on Centre Street.  Many maintained their new route, new travel times or alternative modes commuting now by transit, carpool, cycling or walking.

Other Initiatives

Other strategies and initiatives from The City of Calgary that support alternative travel choices:

• Park and Bike sites, park and finish your commute by cycling or walking
• Wide curb lanes to better accommodate cycling on city roads
• Carpool and bus lane on Centre Street North
• Calgary Transit Universal Bus Pass for eligible students and staff at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and the University of Calgary
• Calgary Transit's Bikes on Board program
• The Calgary Parking Authority provides secure bicycle storage in select Calgary Parking Authority parkades