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Category: Leadership WRQ,
Inc.,
Also see Jan. 18
story featuring WRQ, Inc. at... |
WRQ's
transportation program founded on effective leadership
WRQ, Inc. is a leading provider of enterprise
integration and connectivity software solutions to
businesses around the world. WRQ tackles problems with
unique solutions, including employee transportation
issues. The software superstar employs 486 employees at
its Seattle site, which is located in an area without
extensive public transit infrastructure.
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Jan. 18, 2001 Awards
Ceremony WRQ's CEO Doug Walker and Employee Transportation Coordinator Odessa Swan accept a Diamond Award for leadership. |
Employees of WRQ have been offered commute subsidies since 1994, and today the company hosts a unique and extensive trip reduction program. Each month more than 38% of WRQ Seattle's 486 employees use alternative commute methods to get to work. This high ratio can be attributed to the prime role that management plays in developing and promoting employee benefits at WRQ. All employees, including interns, are eligible for a fully subsidized FlexPass as well as a monthly $65 vanpool subsidy. Any employees living in neighboring counties are also eligible for a $65 monthly subsidy for a Puget Pass, which provides trips on Community, Everett, Pierce, Metro, and Sound Transit systems or a Washington State Ferry Pass.
The company also has developed a well-rounded carpool program. Carpools are encouraged through preferential parking close to the building in addition to Metro Commuter Bonus Plus vouchers. The voucher program was implemented by WRQ in 1995 to encourage employees to take the bus, carpool, ride their bicycles, or walk to work. The vouchers are issued in the form of bank-style checks and can be used as full or partial payment for services and items related to their alternative commute mode. Carpoolers can use them to pay for gas, bicyclists for bicycle locks, etc.
Unique commute
modes keep CTR fun
WRQ hosts many alternative commuters. One member
of the WRQ staff kayaks to work every day from the east
side of Lake Union, while two others share a “canoe
pool” from the Montlake area. The promotion of
biking, kayaking/canoeing, and other forms of alternative
or non-motorized transportation are crucial to
maintaining a strong CTR program. WRQ employees are well
supported in their efforts to reduce commutes.
WRQ management provides extensive facilities for its alternative commuters. Additionally, WRQ employees can make use of secured, indoor bike parking, as well as shower facilities and lockers. Those who occasionally commute by non-motorized water vehicles also may arrange use of the same moorage as the canoe poolers and kayaker.
The best way for management personnel to promote alternative commute modes is direct participation. WRQ CEO Doug Walker rides his bicycle to work every day, a total of 18 miles round trip. Additionally, Mr. Walker keeps a bicycle at his office to ride when downtown Seattle meetings take him from WRQ's Lake Union building. Participation at these levels is a necessity in succeeding in commute reduction. “We have a strong commitment to the environment,” Transportation Coordinator Odessa Swan said, “and our management supports our efforts toward that end.”
Commuting
program
Results 75 people take the bus to work, 40 carpool, 16 vanpool, 45 ride bicycles, and one person kayaks |
*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.