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The Commuter Challenge program was created seven years ago by Tim Hill, then King County Executive, who recognized business's increasing concern about the impact of congestion on the economy. He suggested a three-month campaign be housed in the offices of the Economic Development Council of Seattle & King County, and that the campaign focus on encouraging employers to voluntarily offer employees incentives not to drive alone. | |
| The result was 25 organizations became the original "Pacesetters" in the fall of 1989 for adopting or improving employee commuting programs. The Commuter Challenge campaign was termed a success and launched as a program affiliated with the EDC. By 1993, 104 organizations had become Pacesetters. | ||
Advent of Commute Trip Reduction Law
The Commute Trip Reduction Law was passed in 1991 by the state Legislature as part of the Washington Clean Air Act in a preemptive action to avoid mandated requirements from the federal government. The goals of the CTR Law are to reduce air pollution, traffic congestion, and energy consumption. Implementation of the law resulted in change from a "voluntary" climate to a "regulatory" one.
Commuter Challenge charts new course
| State and local agencies vested with implementing and administering the CTR Law wanted an awards program to benefit King County employers affected by the CTR Law. So, Commuter Challenge parted from the Oil Smart awards program and redesigned criteria and awards targeted at recognizing the outstanding year-round efforts of CTR-affected employers. Beginning in 1994, the Commuter Challenge annually has given Diamond Awards and Pacesetter recognition to King County work sites. Approximately 15 Diamond Awards have been given out each year to work sites demonstrating outstanding commitment |
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| to commute trip reduction. In addition to commitment, in the
1995 goal year Diamond winners had achieved goal. In 1996 they were acknowledged for
commitment and within categories for management support, ETC leadership and innovative
programs. One of the Diamond Awards annually goes to a work site not affected by the law with an outstanding voluntary program. And between 140 and 150 employers annually are designated Pacesetters for their efforts which go beyond the basic requirements of the CTR Law. A half-dozen employers not affected by the law are also deemed Pacesetters for their voluntary programs. |
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Results of recognition
The awards and public recognition are intended both to reward employers for their efforts
and to educate others about the business benefits of employee commuting programs. A recent
evaluation effort indicates the recognition program has motivated more than 50% of
organizations touched by the campaign to consider improvements to their transportation
programs. In addition, 86% of 215 respondents said recognition for CTR efforts was
"somewhat" to "very" important.
How is CTR working in a larger sense? According to employer survey data on reductions
between 1993 and 1995, 4,000 daily commute trips were eliminated in King County at 212
work sites.
Beyond awards
In addition to the recognition program, Commuter Challenge historically has provided
educational and interactive sessions on transportation topics for decision makers. In
addition to a bi-monthly newsletter,
workshop summaries, and other information piecespublic meetings and workshops have
included:
- Commuter Challenge breakfasts to promote voluntary adoption of employee incentives, 1990.
- CTR Law information and guidelines development work groups, 1991-92.
- "Linking Transportation with Growth and the Economy," symposium, 1993.
- "Managing Employee Parking in a Changing Market," workshops, 1994.
- "Take a Closer Look: How Telecommuting Can Make Good Business Sense For Your Organization," workshops, 1995.
- "Take a Closer Look: How to Make Carpools and Vanpools Happen at Your Worksite," workshops, 1995-96.
- Employer CTR Forums: Seattle, Bellevue, Renton; employer input to law and guideline changes, 1996-97.
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