15 Businesses Seek $60,000 in State Funds to Cut Traffic

In an effort to relieve downtown Glendale traffic congestion and improve air quality, 15 major employers have moved to seek state money for a computerized ride-sharing program.

The businesses formed a corporation called the Glendale Traffic Management Assn., which represents the first coordinated effort by private businesses, in conjunction with the city of Glendale, to reduce congestion on city streets.

The group plans to elect a board of directors and officers, and adopt a budget at a 3 p.m. Wednesday meeting at Glendale Adventist Medical Center.

Members are racing to meet a June 30 deadline to apply for a $60,000 grant in matching funds from the state Department of Transportation.

The Glendale Chamber of Commerce has been working with businesses and the city since January to form the association to help employers meet state-mandated rules imposed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District to reduce the number of automobiles that employees drive to work.

Members plan to pool their resources and share the cost of developing a variety of traffic-reduction programs, including ride-sharing and staggered work hours. Commuter Computer is compiling a survey of members’ employees to determine which programs may succeed.

Charter members of the group include Security Pacific Automation Co., Walt Disney Imagineering and Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center.

Also in the association are Glendale Federal Bank, Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Verdugo Hills Hospital and the city of Glendale.