A special achievement award for “Outstanding Innovative Program” was presented to the Port of Seattle, Sea-Tac Airport for their many efforts and achievements in the spirit of making a difference.

The story begins with an investment in a flexpass program for Port employees under the capable direction of former employee transportation coordinator, Jeffrey Hoevet. As the ETC for the Port, Jeffrey guided the program at Sea-Tac airport to transition to ORCA annual passes for employees in late 2009. The Port of Seattle, Sea-Tac Airport offers a comprehensive transportation benefit package with a subsidized ORCA card, fleet vehicles for work related trips, telework programs and an internal ridematching system.

The program is really set apart by the transition to the tying of the commute program to the Port of Seattle’s environmental mission. Jeffrey recognized the value and advocated for the movement from parking and landside operations to environmental services group for commute services. Another significant shift led by Jeffrey was the effort for all Port of Seattle, Sea-Tac Airport employees was to ensure everyone has the same commute benefits who is employed at the airport.

*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.