Rewritten Title:
New Directive Introduces Flexible Office Hours to Ease Tehran’s Traffic Crisis
Tehran Braces for Back-to-School Traffic Surge
As summer draws to a close, Tehran is preparing for its annual surge in traffic congestion. Today, senior city officials convened the first meeting of the Committee for Welcoming the New Academic Year 2024 to address solutions for easing traffic during the school reopening period. However, the most significant discussion centered on a policy that directly impacts millions of employees and citizens: flexible working hours for government offices.
Why Adjusting Work Hours Matters
Data presented at the meeting revealed that 62% of morning commutes (7-9 AM) are work-related, while school-related trips account for 26%. Golshani, Director-General of Tehran’s Public Transportation, emphasized that last year’s trial of staggered work hours successfully reduced congestion by distributing travel demand more evenly. He advocated for continuing the policy this year.
Additionally, public transport will be free for students during the first two weeks of the academic year. While large exhibitions are typically postponed in early autumn, 3-4 major events are scheduled this year, requiring further logistical planning.
Flexible Work Hours: What’s Changing?
Last year, Iran’s Administrative and Employment Organization issued a directive introducing flexible start times (7-9 AM) for government offices in major cities during the first two weeks of autumn. The policy, enacted on September 17, 2023, aimed to:
- Support families by easing parental stress.
- Reduce traffic congestion during peak school season.
- Improve work-life balance and productivity.
Under the directive, employees can adjust their start and end times while fulfilling their required working hours. This approach not only alleviates traffic pressure but also enhances efficiency and allows workers more flexibility for personal commitments.
A Step Toward Smarter Urban Planning
The reintroduction of flexible hours reflects Tehran’s commitment to innovative solutions for urban challenges. By balancing public needs with infrastructure demands, the city aims to create a smoother transition into the new academic year—prioritizing convenience for families and workers alike.
Stay tuned for further updates as the policy takes effect.
