Getting people to work in a congested part of the city where parking is relatively scarce is at the very least a challenge. Working with MAP, Jefferson established preferential parking for employee carpools and vanpools. The university also installed bike racks and allows individual departments to use telecommuting at their discretion.

All employees can use the on-site transit center to buy tokens, discount SEPTA passes, PATCO tickets and to receive information on other alternatives. In the Northeast, a manufacturer enjoying a sharp upturn in business found that more workers meant unacceptable costs for additional parking facilities. Company management has turned to MAP staffers for advice about reliably getting workers to the factory, keeping those employees happy with their commute and maintaining their market price advantage by keeping costs under control.

Different organizations, different approaches from MAP, but they share two characteristics. One is that MAP, with its broad capabilities, isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It matches the needs of different groups of Philadelphia residents who must travel to different parts of the city. This will become increasingly important as former welfare recipients seek and commute to work.

Second, and equally important, is that everything MAP offers is relatively inexpensive. We think its important that organizations try alternative means of commuting without the specter of huge sunken costs. Employers can use one alternative and, after some experience with it, add to it with another or test something completely different.