U.S. Department of Labor Commute Profile

Subsidy boosts ridership
The U.S. Department of Labor, located in downtown Seattle, always has had a large number of transit riders, due to excellent transit service. But two management decisions have had a significant impact on the site's progress to reduce commute trips. The first decision was to limit the number of employee parking spaces, providing parking spots for fewer than 3% of employees, and the second was to add a transit and ferry subsidy of up to $50 per month.

As a government agency, the Department of Labor must answer to a different authority than private business. While Congress approved a $50 transit subsidy for government employees several years ago, no additional funds were allotted. To make matters worse, the approval came during a time when deep budget cuts were occurring. This left the Department of Labor with the approval to start a subsidy program, but no funds to pay for it.

Representing U.S. Dept. of Labor: Jerry Shafer.

Eventually, the national office decided that Department of Labor employees nationwide were entitled to the $50 subsidy and put together the funding. “Washington D.C. also has terrible traffic,” explains Mike Fitzgibbons, employee transportation coordinator. “The people back there are very supportive of programs aimed at reducing commute trips.” As a result of the incentive, bus ridership in the Seattle office increased from 57% to 70%. This has resulted in a reduction of the drive alone rate from 19% to 11%. Local management also does its part — six members take the bus to work.

Work options help reduce commute trips
Although supportive of some commute reduction efforts, the government does not permit subsidies for carpools or vanpools. So the Department of Labor decided to encourage employees to use work options as a way of further reducing commute trips. Now, nearly 30% of Department of Labor employees work four 10-hour days or telework.

Fitzgibbons works hard at keeping employees in the department informed about commute options. All new employees receive a packet of information, and twice a year he runs major promotions to raise awareness and interest. Fitzgibbons regularly posts the flyers distributed by King County Metro, listing the carpools and vanpools looking for riders. It has helped. Despite no ridesharing subsidies, 12 employees currently carpool or vanpool.

Hats off to a government agency that is doing its part to reduce cars on our roads.

*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.