Seattle’s Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program works with the city’s largest companies to reduce congestion by decreasing the numbers of drive-alone trips during peak hour commutes. The CTR Champions program recognizes employers who achieve notable reductions, provide innovative and comprehensive employee commuter programs, and have high levels of participation.
76 companies were recognized with awards this year.
This year’s CTR Champions Awards event on March 9th was themed “Going Further” and Mayor Ed Murray gave opening remarks.
Mayor Murray at the 3rd Annual CTR Champions Celebration.
The City and its partner Commute Seattle recognized 76 out of 257 large employers, including The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Stoel Rives LLP, which received the City’s highest “platinum level” recognition. Andrea Watanabe, with Tableau, was recognized as an Outstanding Employee Transportation Coordinator.
Since the passage of the State’s CTR law in 1991, Seattle’s Drive Alone Rate (DAR) has been decreasing. SDOT works with CTR-affected companies to support them in providing robust employee transportation programs to help continue this trend and reach our goal of a 32% DAR citywide* by 2018. Seattle will continue to grow, meaning that the vast majority of new trips will be taken via means other than the single-occupancy vehicle.
We look forward to 2017 and beyond to continue to help Seattleites get to work – because a happy employee begins with a happy commute.
*Differs from results of a recent Commute Seattle survey that found less than 30% of downtown’s estimated 247,000 daily commuters now drive alone to work – this refers to commuters into downtown versus citywide.