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ETC's enthusiasm fuels successful program
Creativity, enthusiasm and a willingness to take the initiative to try something new are key traits of a successful ETC. According to those who have worked with her, Kathe Hewitte of EDS embodies those characteristics and many more, garnering her a 2004 Commuter Challenge Diamond Award for ETC Leadership.

EDS became a CTR-affected worksite in 2002 and Hewitte volunteered to be the ETC. She developed an incentive program called EDSers (Employee Rideshare Services) are SMART (Saving Miles And Reducing Traffic). Shortly after assuming the role of ETC, Hewitte applied for and was awarded an Employer Services Grant for her HOV "Focus" Project (Fixing Our Commute Using Sensibility). The project was designed to reduce the number of SOV miles by increasing HOV miles. The project was so successful it reduced the worksite’s employee drive-alone rate by 12%.

Hewitte actively promotes the CTR program every chance she gets. As a regular vanpool driver, she finds that sometimes the best way to encourage others to participate is to share her own ‘tales from the commute’ and practice what she preaches. She often highlights stories from co-workers who participate in the CTR program and each month, sends an email to all employees spotlighting the winner of the monthly drawings, how many participants are using each alternative commute mode and reminders of how to get involved.

"Enthusiasm and constant ‘in your face’ proof of the advantages of using an alternative commute mode are really effective," Hewitte says. EDS’ Communications Director Guyanna Young agrees. "That is so true," she says. "Our program is successful because Kathe has the passion!"

Based on monthly participation, employees can receive up to 100% reimbursement of vanpool fares with Commuter Bonus Vouchers, up to $30 in Commuter Bonus Plus Vouchers for carpool subsidies, and monthly drawings of $25 for other non-SOV modes. These are just a few of the elements that comprise EDS’ CTR program. One rather impressive fact is that fully 42% of EDS employees telework regularly—that is more than all other alternative modes combined.

EDS has a unique situation at its Federal Way location, sharing office space with Weyerhaeuser. The two companies also share CTR resources, information and many vanpools and carpools arriving at the site each day carry employees of both companies.

EDS provides a variety of business and technology solutions to help its international clients improve their business performance. It should be no surprise then, that, with the help of one very enthusiastic ETC, EDS has also developed a comprehensive program of "solutions" to help its own employees find better alternatives to driving alone. "Management has been very receptive to my ideas and extremely supportive of all my efforts," Hewitte says. "EDS is really committed to bettering the community we work in."

Commute Program
Carpool and vanpool subsidy
HOV incentives
Guaranteed Ride Home
Reserved priority HOV parking
Covered bicycle parking
Showers and lockers
Telework, flextime and compressed workweek

*Some definitions: An "ETC" is the staff-level employee transportation coordinator responsible for the daily administration of the transportation program. "SOV" stands for single-occupant vehicle, and "CTR" for commute trip reduction.

 

 

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