Microsoft’s substantial investment in its commute programs—most notably, “the Connector”—sets an outstanding example for other large organizations by demonstrating that it is possible to engage employees in utilizing alternative commute options. As a result of Microsoft’s efforts, the drive-alone rate at all Redmond worksites dropped from 62% to 60% just in the past year. Bus ridership has increased 1 percentage point from 14% to 15% over the same period.

Nearly 13,500 employees have taken 1.4 million Connector rides since the routes began in September 2007. More than 60% of those riders drove alone to work prior to riding Connector, which is free. On-board amenities, such as Wi-Fi, bicycle storage, overhead storage, and reclining seats enhance their experience. Microsoft’s investment in the Connector has saved nearly 854,000 drive-alone trips, 12 million drive-alone miles, and 11.5 million pounds of CO².

Microsoft has sustained participation in my R-TRIP commute incentive program by developing creative promotions, including the Three Million Mile Challenge, Spring Worksite Challenge and Better than Average.

Microsoft is an example for all other major employers with its high level of commitment and creativity towards reducing congestion and pollution in the Puget Sound region. Staff work collaboratively with state and local governments, transit agencies, and transportation management associations to enhance commute options, improve employee mobility, and lobby for transportation infrastructure investments.

Microsoft is a key stakeholder in a project implemented by the City of Redmond, the Greater Redmond Transportation Management Association, and King County Metro. This brand new Commute Management System includes a Commute Calendar and Ridematching tool. The system also provides Microsoft and other Redmond employers with web-based tools to help administer demonstration employer incentive programs funded in part by the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The company received the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce “Way to Go Award” recently as well as the 2009 Commuter Challenge Diamond Ring Award, and the 2009 and 2008 Governor’s Commute Smart awards and a Best Workplaces Award.  Congratulations to a leader in transportation in all ways!

 

 

*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.