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Promotion, broad support of options spell success
With more than 42 million customers, Verizon Wireless leads the telecommunications industry with high quality products and services and the country’s most reliable wireless communications network. Verizon Wireless has been at the head of the pack when it comes to alternative commute options too, and has earned a 2004 Commuter Challenge Diamond Award for Organizational Leadership.

Since 1995, Verizon Wireless employees have had a variety of options when it comes to leaving their cars at home. Those with access to nearby transit routes can receive a fully subsidized FlexPass for use on buses. Employees who join vanpools receive $50 per month toward their vanpool fares and for those who carpool, telework, ride a motorcycle or bicycle, or get dropped off, a $25 monthly subsidy is provided.

Limited bus service and the 24/7 shift nature of the telecommunications business pose challenges for employee transportation coordinator Kun Hae Pak. But because employees can utilize virtually any alternative mode and receive some level of subsidy, Verizon Wireless has been able to make its state CTR goals. "Kun Hae works really hard to resolve commute issues for her employees," says Debbie Jaksich of King County Metro. "Her longevity with the company and in handling the CTR program has proved to be priceless."

Each year, Verizon conducts a FlexPass "kick-off" beginning with the distribution of the passes as well as a two-day transportation fair to educate employees on the vast array of options available to them through Verizon Wireless’ program. New employees also are informed of all their commute options from their first day on the job through its new hire training classes.

"Grid locked traffic and high gas prices are on the minds of most commuters, so we are very excited and proud as a company to provide alternatives for our employees," Pak says. "The commute trip reduction program at Verizon improves the quality of life for our employees and has significantly enhanced morale."

Management continues to show its support for the CTR program by providing funding for the free FlexPasses and other alternative mode subsidies. Verizon Wireless’ ultimate goal is to have 100% of its employees choosing alternatives to driving alone. Until that day comes, the company is committed to promoting commute trip reduction at every level and providing options that fit every schedule and circumstance. According to Pak, "The company sees this as corporate citizenship at its best and the right thing to do for our environment and our community."

Commute Program
Transit, carpool and vanpool subsidy
Work options and non-motorized mode incentives
Guaranteed Ride Home
Internal ride match service
Reserved priority HOV parking
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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