At the February 19, 2024 CRTPA Board meeting, members accepted the Capital Region Telecommute Study, A Look Back and A Look Forward, and recommended that the CRTPA establish an advisory committee.

Telecommuting refers to employees working from their own homes or other remote locations, connecting with coworkers via online platforms. Employees who telework may work a hybrid schedule with time in the office and remotely or work full-time remotely. This study was completed to understand the impact that telecommuting has on the region’s transportation system and provide a snapshot of telecommuting within the Capital Region.

In 2020, the Coronavirus 19 (COVID 19)  pandemic stay-at-home orders significantly increased  telecommuting, which drastically reduced daily traffic throughout the Capital Region, especially during peak hours. In the subsequent years area traffic has rebounded to pre-COVID levels. The study provides a look back at telecommuting and traffic congestion before, during and post COVID-19 pandemic.

Building upon lessons learned about pandemic travel behavior, as well as input from regional employers, the study demonstrates that telecommuting:

• Supports the region’s economic resilience by making employers more adaptive.
• Creates more flexible work opportunities that attract top talent to the region.
• Reduces peak-hour congestion throughout the region.

The decision to establish an advisory committee by the CRTPA Board reflects a commitment to further explore and promote telecommuting as a viable transportation and economic strategy. Clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of the committee, as well as including stakeholders, will be crucial in ensuring the success and visibility of any telecommute program implemented in the region. This proactive approach indicates a recognition of the long-term potential of telecommuting in shaping the region’s transportation landscape.