The Clean Air Campaign invites you to treat yourself to a better commute by teleworking, taking transit and carpooling 

ATLANTA - (November 21, 2006) The talk around the water cooler turns to this topic weeks before it's even a problem. Everyone knows it's coming and hears the horror stories of years past, but there's no stopping it. It's that time of year when you wish you could beam yourself home. This kind of collective trepidation can only mean one thing for metro Atlanta: holiday traffic! And since we can't all have a sleigh, the rest of us can be a part of The Clean Air Campaign® and get out of the holiday traffic crunch. 

   "Even though you know it's going to be bumper-to-bumper around the holidays, it is no less frustrating when you actually suffer through it," said Ellen Macht, executive director of The Clean Air Campaign. "We strongly recommend taking advantage of teleworking, transit, local shuttle services and carpooling." 

   For the best way to avoid the rush, stay home! Teleworking just one day a week can save you hours of commuting stress during the holidays, and save you a few bucks in the process too. Working from home during the holidays is especially useful since you can use the time you save by not commuting to Google gift ideas for those people who have everything. 

   If teleworking is not an option, flextime will also help you avoid the rush. It is worth it to get to work early and then leave before the side streets turn into parking lots. 

   And then there is transit. Many of metro Atlanta's major shopping destinations can be reached by bus or train. Best of all, you won't spend hours searching for that elusive parking spot! 

   Holiday shuttles are also available. " The buc," the popular weekday shuttle that services the Buckhead area, offers Saturday service to accommodate the mob of people who pour into Buckhead, one of the busiest shopping districts in the region. The Holiday Zipper also runs around the Town Center area to alleviate traffic in Cobb County. 

   Looking to save a few bucks to cover your holiday shopping? Carpooling and vanpooling are great options. Both will save you money, reduce the wear and tear on your car and lessen the time you spend behind the wheel. Your fellow 'poolers may even have the perfect idea for what to get that hard-to-please person on your shopping list. 

   "In the spirit of the holidays, The Clean Air Campaign is giving away its own presents," continued Macht. "If you leave your car behind for the next few months, Cash for Commuters will pay you $3 a day, up to $180, for each day you use an alterative commute. That's enough for a few extra stocking stuffers!" 

   This holiday season, while you try not to let the Grinch get the better of you, consider these commute alternatives to help alleviate traffic congestion and keep the holiday air clean. Call 1-877-CLEANAIR or visit cleanaircampaign.com for assistance in finding an easier way to commute.