Commute
vehicle trips eliminated
Figures in this table are
adjusted for compressed workweeks.
Preliminary results of the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) survey show that in King County the CTR program eliminated 10,382 commute trips on an average workday in early 2001.
The results are from 577 worksites, not including Boeing and the University of Washington, which use equivalent data. Worksites that do not survey during the standard survey time also are not included.
Statewide, 66 percent of the trips taken by those surveyed were drive alone, a slightly more than nine percent drop since 1993. Carpooling was used for the highest number of trips, with transit second and compressed workweeks third. Telecommuting, while still accounting for the smallest number trips, showed the largest percent increase, 600 percent.
“I am pleased to see the CTR program is increasing its effectiveness, and our participating employers and their employees are successfully bucking national and statewide trends toward increased solo commuting,” said Jim Slakey, chairman of the Governor's Commute Trip Reduction Task Force. “The results show that a well-designed and implemented commute trip reduction program can be effective.”
In King County, 57.21 percent surveyed drove alone, compared to 58.91 percent in 1999 and 61.55 percent in 1993.
Telework, vanpooling, transit and compressed work weeks all showed an increase in the number of trips between 1999 and 2001.
In 2001, vanpool trips climbed back to their 1993 level, after lower levels in 1995, 1997 and 1999. Growth in the number of transit trips is partly attributable to the new commuter rail service.
“The growth in telework is slow but sure,” said Cathy Cole, Executive Director of Commuter Challenge, which provides telework assistance to worksites.
The number of carpooling and biking trips showed a slight decline in use between 1999 and 2001. Walking was essentially unchanged.
“The mix of alternative modes that commuters use shifts over time depending on corporate culture, the economic situation, the relative attractiveness of different alternatives, and the incentives provided,” said Ed Hillsman, research coordinator, Transportation Demand Management Office, WSDOT. “What is important is that worksites are continuing to make progress in reducing the drive-alone rate.”
WSDOT currently is calculating additional results. Figures yet to come include vehicle miles traveled, air quality, and fuel consumption.