Over the past fifteen years, Commuter Challenge has worked hard and successfully to reduce the number of cars in rush hour traffic. Now the organization is reassessing its mission and programs, to ensure that it’s responding to today’s—and tomorrow’s—needs.

One of the first changes the organization has made is to expand its focus, from King County to the four-county region traditionally associated with central Puget Sound (King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish Counties). Since both the transportation problems and many of the transit systems now in place cross county lines, the organization will be better positioned to address the complexities of regional commuter traffic.

In addition, Commuter Challenge will begin to work more intensively with smaller firms and those not covered by the CTR law. Since these companies account for approximately 75% of the employment in the region, they represent a significant opportunity to reduce single-occupancy vehicle commutes.

Responding to these new responsibilities, Commuter Challenge will begin two new programs in July of 2004, thanks to funding received through two Washington State Department of Transportation Performance Grants.

Regional $mart Commute Program
The first program, called the Regional $mart Commute Program, will provide incentives to employees at worksites not affected by the State’s CTR law. Participants must commit to using an alternative commute mode for at least thirteen days over a three-month period in order to qualify for cash incentives. The more days the employee uses the alternative commute mode, the more cash he or she can earn. Registration and usage tracking will take place electronically via the Commuter Challenge web site.

Outreach to community colleges
Commuter Challenge also will work with thirteen of the region’s community colleges to identify and implement creative programs for reducing commute trips by students. Enrollment at the colleges involved is well over 100,000 students, many of whom have jobs as well as classes to attend. Again, the program will offer small cash incentives as well as a comprehensive set of alternative transportation options to students who participate.

“Outside of the Employer Services Grant program which we have administered for the State and County over the past three years, Commuter Challenge has not been in a position to offer financial incentives directly to commuters,” said Executive Director Steve Gerritson. “We are very excited about the opportunities these new programs present, not just to continue our efforts to eliminate employee trips, but also to broaden our reach to neighboring counties.”

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