2002
 |
Category: Non-Motorized F5 Networks,
Inc.,
|
 |
Listen to one of the radio spots featuring this winner! |
Company’s culture encourages
non-motorized commutes
F5
Networks is an industry leader in developing cutting-edge technology that
enables businesses and service providers to optimize mission-critical
applications or web services, providing secure and predictable delivery
of application traffic in an unpredictable environment. It is also a leader
in encouraging employees to walk or bicycle to work, earning F5 Networks
a 2002 Commuter Challenge Diamond Award for non-motorized mode use.
 |
Jan. 22, 2003 Awards Ceremony
Accepting the F5 Networks' Diamond Award for non-motorized modes is Connie Abella, employee transportation coordinator. |
Non-motorized modes are highly used by F5’s high-tech employees as their primary means of commuting to and from work. Nearly 17% of the workforce either walk or ride a bicycle to work on a regular basis throughout the year. Employees who commute in either fashion have given up their parking spaces—and with very limited street parking, they are highly unlikely to be “fair weather” commuters. All employees receive a $75 transportation stipend regardless of the mode they use to commute, so for those who walk or bicycle and incur no commute expenses, this is like receiving a $900 bonus every year.
F5 has seen positive business benefits from its commute trip reduction program in the form of recruitment and retention rates. “Because parking is at a premium both in terms of availability and cost, candidates and employees look at the monthly subsidy as an extra bonus to offset their costs of finding alternatives to driving alone,” said Employee Transportation Coordinator Connie Abella.
When the company’s building was under construction, management made it a priority to include adequate space for covered bicycle racks as well as locker and shower facilities to encourage employees to walk or bicycle to work. The work site is also located near bicycle and walking trails, which are yet another incentive for employees to leave their cars at home.
All employees are encouraged to use an alternative commute mode. For those who choose to drive alone to work, the $75 stipend is credited toward the $100 monthly parking fee. Employees who carpool, ride the bus, or utilize other alternative commute modes can use the stipend toward any fees associated with their transportation choice. In addition, all employees who carpool receive free on-site parking.
Commute Program
|
*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.