How can a suburban work site win a Diamond Award?

Dear Veep:
I love your question. If I could answer it with just three words, it would be “try other alternatives!” That means carpools and vanpools, compressed schedules, and telework, bicycling or walking. Of course, being Helen, I'll explain further.

The Commuter Challenge recognition selection committee strives very hard to recognize employers from a variety of locations and situations. The committee has a different set of expectations for a site in the central business district than for one in a suburban location. The goals for employers affected by the Commute Trip Reduction Law are based on zones, which, among other things, reflect the level of transit service. The selection committee keeps in mind the differences in the zones in making its decisions.

Employers can reduce drive alone commutes if they analyze the market potential accurately and implement an incentive program accordingly. When a work site is not located at the hub of transit service, carpooling and vanpooling have great potential because they require fewer people and have more geographic flexibility. Remember compressed workweeks, telework, bicycling and walking can be effective in either setting.

Examples of successful suburban rideshare programs can be found at www.thewinners.com. Click on Costco, Genie Industries, USAA Property & Casualty Insurance and Valley Medical Center. Or look at examples of work options programs by clicking on Red Dot and ConneXt. For rideshare advice, call King County Metro, 206-625-4500. To explore work options, call Commuter Challenge, 206-389-8656.
HOV