Microsoft's commitment to provide its 52,000 King County employees with cost effective alternatives to commuting alone results in a transportation demand management program that is available to all Microsoft employees at all Puget Sound worksites. Microsoft's commuting program is focused on a dedicated intranet site to provide information on all commuter benefits, including a free FlexPass program, preferential parking for carpools and vanpools, rideshare matching, campus shuttle services, bike and walking facilities and programs, parking management and many other strategies. Microsoft's Connector Express Bus Service includes Wi-Fi access for riders and now carries over 3,000 daily riders. The campus shuttle service moves around 7,000 passengers each day around the campus. Microsoft provides covered parking for more than 1,500 bicycles.

Microsoft is an active participant and partner with the City of Redmond and the Greater Redmond Transportation Management Association and partners with the City of Redmond's R-TRIP commute incentive program. Satellite worksites support telework, which reduces emissions significantly as well. As a leader in the Puget Sound region and the world in software applications, Microsoft sets an example of leadership with high levels of commitment and creativity in seeking solutions in reducing congestion and pollution by working collaboratively for the region to be a better place to live. As a result of Microsoft's efforts, the drive alone rate at all Redmond worksites has dropped to 62%; and on the flip side, 38% of Microsoft's employees use commute alternatives. This Diamond Ring recognizes Microsoft's outstanding leadership and substantial investment in commute programs.

 

*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.