One of TI's goals for the year was to increase employee DART ridership, which attracted almost 10 percent more users from 2007, primarily due to higher gas prices for much of the year. From May to June, when gas prices were the highest, the number of employees using DART and on-site shuttle services increased 25 percent. For an investment of $1.3 million, our 2008 trip-reduction efforts kept more than 8,500 vehicles off North Texas roads alone daily, which averted ozone-forming NOx as well as CO2 emissions.
We also wanted to expand mass transit benefits to other U.S. campuses and assess additional alternative transportation needs and options on a global level. Although sites around the world maintained their existing programs, we were unable to significantly expand the program to other sites due to reduced funding. TI did investigate other methods of reducing transportation emissions, however, including assessing our corporate fleet. This led to the development of a master plan for replacing less-efficient vehicles.
In addition, as an incentive to encourage additional cycling to work, we asked our North Texas-subsidized gym facilities, the Texins Activity Centers, to offer one free month of membership to cyclists when they buy a six-month membership. This discounted membership also provided access to showers, lockers and other amenities, as well as gym and fitness classes.
In 2009, our goals are to support the groundbreaking of the Cottonwood Trail extension adjacent to TI's headquarters. Once complete, the connected trail system will cover 35 miles and provide access to other destinations in the area, enabling employees to safely walk, rollerblade or bike directly to work and improving the quality of life for neighbors and residents who use it.
We also plan to reduce the TI fleet size in North Texas and will replace existing vehicles with cleaner, more fuel-efficient models. Finally, due to the current economic climate, TI will also focus on optimizing Commute Solutions program costs while continuing to provide easy access to program options and education materials.
