2002
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Category: Transit Microsoft Corporation,
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Listen to one of the radio spots featuring this winner! |
Transit and shuttle
help reduce parking costs and improve employee productivity
Microsoft has found
the best approach to a commute trip reduction program for its employees
is to have one comprehensive plan for all sites from which employees can
pick and choose the mode that works best for their individual needs. Focusing
on transit use and shuttle service to fill in the gaps left by transit
have proven to be part of a successful solution at Microsoft, earning
it a 2002 Commuter Challenge Diamond Award for transit.
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Jan. 22, 2003 Awards Ceremony
Accepting Microsoft's Diamond Award for Transit are Puget Sound Facility Manager Steve Allen and Program Manager Barb Heriot. |
Educating employees on the benefits of transit and HOV use has been effective in convincing people to give it a try. "We remind people that ridesharing and transit use can alleviate a lot of frustration from the daily commute. Our employees recognize the value of the extra time they can use by becoming riders," said Program Manager Barb Heriot.
All employees receive a FlexPass at no cost to use toward travel on local mass transit. For employees wishing to join a vanpool, Microsoft offers a $65 per month subsidy for associated fees. An internal ride-matching program was developed three years ago which can link to King County Metro’s RideshareOnline and is accessible to all employees from the company’s internal Web site. Those who choose to walk or bicycle to work have access to bicycle racks in covered areas as well as onsite locker and shower facilities. Anyone who holds a FlexPass and uses an alternative mode to commute also has access to a guaranteed ride home in case of illness or emergency.
Through a financial partnership with King County Metro, Microsoft has arranged for customized bus service to be brought to its campuses. Four bus routes have added trips to Microsoft sites, and the company continues to review other routes where financial partnerships might be feasible.
Microsoft also has one of the largest private demand-based shuttle services in the nation with more than 40 vehicles. The shuttle service averages more than 1,700 passengers a day and provides regular connecting service to the Overlake transit center and between the Microsoft buildings. On-site conveniences such as cafeterias, ATM’s, and sundry shops make the need for a car during the day even less.
One of the benefits Microsoft has seen from its focus on CTR programs is the increased use of alternative commute modes. "CTR has helped with employee productivity," said Heriot. "This is especially true for employees who travel from the farther north and south perimeters of King County, where carpools and vanpools can save these employees money and create extra time for them as riders."
Management fully supports CTR because they understand the need and the role Microsoft plays as an important corporate citizen within the community. Many people in management walk the talk, too, by carpooling and even bicycling to work. Leadership in each department has been given the option of implementing flextime and compressed workweeks whenever feasible for their employees in an effort to further reduce commute trips and improve productivity.
Commute 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.