Clean Air Success Stories
URS Corporation employee enjoys an air quality-friendly commute
Article courtesy of the St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership
When he traded in his car keys for a MetroBus pass last January, Ken Hagg, Vice President of Environmental Services for URS Corporation, was gearing himself up for the gridlock that was anticipated as I-64 closed from Interstate 170 to Spoede Road. Thankfully, the gridlock never happened. But, the project served as the perfect opportunity for Hagg to try an alternative commute that has become a key part of his daily routine.
Since the start of the I-64 shutdown, Hagg has been taking a bus daily from his home in Ballwin to his office near Dogtown.
“After it was clear that the traffic gridlock that was predicted wasn’t going to happen, I considered using my car again, but after riding the bus, it really seemed like a better alternative,” said Hagg.
As one of the founders of the St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership and the Chair of the American Lung Association’s Leadership Council, Hagg says that the air quality benefits associated with taking mass transit are driving his decision to use the bus.
“Mass transit takes cars off the roads, which leads to a significant reduction in the emissions released into our air, so its great to know that by using the bus, I’m doing my share to help improve the region’s air quality,” said Hagg.
Hagg also touts the many additional benefits. “I like the consistency of the bus schedule, and it’s also nice to be able to accomplish things during my commute. I can read the paper, work or even get caught up on sleep,” said Hagg.
In these times of record gas prices, Hagg also enjoys the cost-savings associated with using the bus. And, he’s even made some new friends along the way. “Since I take the same route each day, I commute with the same set of people, and I’ve really gotten to know them,” said Hagg.
After hearing about Hagg’s positive experience with mass transit, many of his co-workers have also begun riding the bus. URS Corporation is even encouraging transit use among its employees by enabling them to purchase monthly Metro passes with pre-tax dollars. The $60 cost of the pass is automatically deducted from the paychecks of participating employees who then receive their passes in the mail, making it easy and convenient.
“More and more people at our office are choosing to use transit, and it’s great to see,” said Hagg. “For anyone who is considering using the bus or MetroLink, I highly recommend it.”
For more information on alternative forms of commuting that can help improve the region’s air quality, or to learn about additional steps you can take to help St. Louis breathe easier, log on towww.cleanair-stlouis.com or call the American Lung Association at (314) 645-5505, ext. 1007.
