Microsoft program targets 17,000 commuters
With more than 17,000 participants in its commute program, Microsoft has dedicated resources and staff to the vast task of encouraging its employees to use alternatives to driving alone to work. Vanpool ridership has doubled in the past year from 280 to 600 vanpoolers. Transit ridership has gone up from 6% to 9% of the employee population.

Microsoft continually sees lots of interest from employees about alternative commuting at transportation fairs and rideshare promotions held regularly in the cafes throughout campus. Microsoft participates in the Redmond and Issaquah Employer Incentive program which helps reduce annual trips to the campuses. With the use of a company-wide FlexPass, many commute alternatives are offered to employees. The commute program is promoted via a dedicated commute website that provides valuable commute information. Employees can obtain information on transit, preferential carpool and vanpool parking, internet ridematching, shuttle services, the guaranteed ride home program, bicycle and pedestrian locker facilities and real-time traffic information.

Commute alternatives are a great way to reduce traffic and parking demand, support environmental stewardship and save money. Microsoft is actively working to enhance commute options, lobby for improved freeway infrastructure, and improve employee mobility in the future.

*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.