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Category: Diamond Ring Fred
Hutchinson Cancer Research Center,
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A leader in cancer
research is also a leader in commute reduction
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is
known nationally for its work in the medical field.
However, the Center also has worked hard to provide
commute options for employees. Over the past 11 years,
Fred Hutch has continually evolved its commute reduction
program from a 50% subsidy for transit into the Hutch
pass program. The program provides a myriad of
opportunities for employees to reduce their commuting
costs and daily driving time. These continued and
successful efforts to reduce commuter trips on area
roadways have earned the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research
Center the Diamond Ring award for the second consecutive
year.
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Jan. 18, 2001 Awards
Ceremony Peggy Means and Shelly Da Ronche accept a Diamond Ring Award for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. |
When the Hutch pass was instituted in 1997, it became the basis for subsidized commute options for Fred Hutchinson employees. Pass holders receive fully subsidized rides on Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, Community Transit, and Metro Transit buses. Participants also are eligible for fully subsidized vanpools that park for free in convenient, priority areas. Carpool parking is offered at a discounted rate of $15 per month with preferred parking spaces close to campus buildings. Carpools and vanpools also are given preference over single occupancy vehicles should a parking waiting list exist. By reducing employee SOV traffic, the research center has minimized its impact on the environment and on area roads.
Telework
eliminates employee trips
Despite an extensive commute reduction
program, Fred Hutchinson continues to look for ways to
eliminate commute trips. In addition to the
institutionalization of the Hutch pass program, the
cancer center allows informal telework arrangements
between employee and supervisor for a variety of
situations and job descriptions. Presently, the Fred
Hutchinson Cancer Research Center estimates 10-15% of the
workforce teleworks at least one day per month. “We
really try to provide the tools for our employees to get
their work done efficiently,” Transportation Manager
Shelly DaRonche said. “One reason the Center is so
successful is that we give employees as many choices as
we can, and we have the management's support in
that.”
Numerous departments within the Research Center incorporate telework into a regular schedule. The Public Health Sciences division gathers data from community clinics, creates statistical models and coordinates public education and has the highest level of staff working from home out of all Fred Hutch divisions. Because of the large amount of logistics and research involved in their tasks, telework is often an efficient and practical alternative to commuting for PHS staff.
Fred Hutch management realizes not every position is well suited for telework; however, allowing a significant number of employees to work from home helps meet CTR goals, increase employee efficiency, and aid in retention of key staff.
Future plans include the integration of incentives for employees who commute regularly by biking or walking to work using commuter bonus certificates that can be exchanged for goods and services.
Commuting
program
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*Some definitions: An “ETC” is the staff-level employee transportation coordinator responsible for the daily administration of the transportation program; “PM” is the transportation program manager; and “CEO” refers to the top management-level person at the worksite. “SOV” stands for single-occupant vehicle, and “CTR” for commute trip reduction.