Georgia is currently experiencing its lowest unemployment rates in years, with an average of 3.2% compared to the national rate of 3.9% according to the Georgia Department of Labor. However, a shrinking proportion of Georgia’s working-age population is actively participating in the workforce compared to historical levels.
Efforts in the Atlanta region focus on equipping job seekers with essential skills through classroom training, on-the-job learning and tailored credentialing programs. Reliable transportation remains a major obstacle for many, as highlighted by an Equity Analysis conducted by Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) as part of the 2023 Regional Transportation Demand Management Plan. The analysis highlights jobs for mid- to low-tier earners are often located far from residential areas, posing significant transportation hurdles. These challenges perpetuate a cycle of instability where individuals struggle to secure and maintain employment.
Recognizing these complexities, ARC leads efforts to integrate solutions that bridge geographical gaps and enhance mobility options, ensuring equitable economic participation across Atlanta. To understand how these strategies improve mobility and foster economic resilience, we spoke with Rosalind Tucker, TDM-CP, Managing Director of ARC’s Mobility Services Group and the Georgia Commute Options program, and Rob LeBeau, Managing Director of ARC’s Workforce Solutions division and WorkSource Atlanta Regional.
Rob LeBeau: Georgia currently has a lower unemployment rate than the national average. However, we also have a lower labor force participation rate—just under 62%—which means fewer people are actively looking for work. This combination creates a challenging environment where there are more job openings than people to fill them, particularly in high-demand sectors like healthcare, IT and skilled trades. ARC’s Workforce Solutions fills a critical function in helping individuals find jobs and upskill to match employer needs.
Through our work, we’ve found that many job seekers often face two barriers: childcare needs and transportation access. Reliable transportation is essential for attending training, going to job interviews, and commuting to work. Many job seekers can’t afford cars, and public transit often doesn’t efficiently connect residential areas with job centers. Alternative commute options can bridge this gap and give job seekers access to training and employment opportunities.
Rosalind Tucker: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw a significant drop in transit ridership, particularly among choice riders—those who own cars and typically have more transportation options. This change forced transit operators to cut routes and adjust frequencies, impacting those who rely on transit the most. But despite the cuts, our lifeline riders, who depend on public transit, are still using these services. This situation highlights the need for more flexible transportation options.
Microtransit, like vans or shuttles, can provide this flexibility and better serve essential workers. With the massive growth in e-commerce, more people are working in warehouses and other logistics roles that don’t follow a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. These jobs often require shifts that start early in the morning or late at night, times when public transit options are limited. These flexible transit options will be crucial in supporting our workforce and maintaining economic resilience, and public-private partnerships can play a significant role in this effort.
Rob: I completely agree. Microtransit is going to be an important component in meeting the transportation needs of our trainees and workers. Many employers are in dispersed areas that are not well-served by traditional transit systems, so innovative solutions are necessary to ensure reliable transportation for all workers.
We’re already seeing some employers taking the initiative by creating their own vanpools. For example, some construction companies use their own vehicles to pick up workers from their homes and bring them to job sites. Similarly, a manufacturing company might have a van that goes to multiple locations to pick up workers. It’s not just about public solutions; private companies can play a crucial role in filling the gaps.
Rosalind: The next level of conversation is about owning the commute together—it’s not just the responsibility of the commuters but of all of us. There are already several employers across the region who have taken on the responsibility of ensuring their employees can get to work, whether it’s through first-and-last-mile solutions, closing transportation gaps or providing direct transportation to job sites. However, not every organization has this on their radar. Traditionally, it’s been assumed that employees would figure out their own transportation.
But as Rob highlighted with the data on our job market, we are at a point where it’s incumbent upon organizations to rethink this approach. Employers need to see how they can be part of the commute solution, not just leaving it to the employees.
Our Georgia Commute Options team can connect employers to their local communities to start conversations that lead to solutions, like creating innovative transit hubs and on-demand services.
Education is also key, and there are resources and support available through Georgia Commute Options. The MyGCO app offers various tools and incentives that companies can easily integrate into their recruitment and onboarding for new employees.
Rob: Additionally, integrating transportation literacy into workforce development programs is essential. Employers can educate their employees on available transportation options and encourage the use of vanpools and public transit. By getting employees accustomed to using these options during their training, employers can help them establish reliable commuting habits that will serve them well once they secure employment.
Georgia Commute Options—a program made possible by the Atlanta Regional Commission and Georgia Department of Transportation—works with employers at no cost to develop commuter programs that move the needle on air quality in the Atlanta region. Let’s discuss how we can help.