Commuter Connections Makes Ride-Matching Easier than Ever with New Online System
During a press conference on September 2, Commuter Connections launched a new online ride-matching system, marking the first time commuters have direct access to people that live and work near them and who want to join carpools and vanpools. The innovative system—the result of a three-year effort—is built on Google Maps and allows individuals to find and contact carpool matches from a regional database, and map along a preferred route. At the press event, TPB officials also announced metropolitan Washington’s first-time region-wide participation in Car Free Day, a worldwide event on September 22 to encourage commuters to pledge to “uncar” for a day. Commuter Connections is aiming for 10,000 pledges from area residents.
[Link to Commuter Connections home page]
[Link to WTOP report on the new system]
[Link to Car Free Day web site]
EPC Chair Connolly Briefs COG Board on Homeland Security Achievements, Challenges
Fairfax County Chairman Gerald Connolly, who chairs the National Capital Region Emergency Preparedness Council, briefed the COG Board of Directors on September 10 on the region’s progress in emergency planning, preparedness and response since the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and discussed areas in need of future improvement. Connolly noted key investments in technology and equipment for first responsders as well as better regional oversight and communication. He also stressed the need for sustained investment.
[Link to EPC Presentation to COG Board]
[Link to WAMU report]
[Link to Washington Examiner article]
Climate Change Report Hits the Road
COG widely circulated the National Capital Region Climate Change Report to its members after the Board of Directors approved it for comment in July. Since then, COG staff has taken the extra step to make sure each member government is briefed on its findings and recommendations by presenting the report at city and county council meetings and special outreach events. The report includes significant greenhouse gas reduction goals for the region as well as 78 recommendations to help area leaders and citizens meet the targets. COG members, stakeholders and the public are invited to review the draft plan and comment on it by September 30.
[Link to Climate Change Report comments page]
[Link to Washington Post article on report]
Area Jurisdictions Honored for E-Government Services
Several jurisdictions in the National Capital Region were recently honored for using information technology in increasingly innovative ways and improving service to their citizens. The 2008 Digital Counties Survey, which recognized Fairfax County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Loudoun County, Prince William County and Frederick County, was released at the National Association of Counties national conference in Kansas City, Missouri this summer.
[Link to Washington Post article on survey]
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