SDOT and Commute Seattle hosted their second annual Seattle Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Champion Awards ceremony today to congratulate Seattle employers who have made significant contributions to the CTR program. The city recognized 60 employers out of 250 large employers for their commute programs’ accomplishments. These employers distinguished themselves among their peers by achieving greater reductions in drive-alone commuting, offering outstanding transportation benefits to employees, and for active engagement in the city’s program.
The awards event included opening remarks from Andrew Glass Hastings, Transit and Transportation advisor for Mayor Murray; keynote speech from Ben Franz-Knight, the executive director of the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority; with KOMO 4 News Traffic Anchor Paris Jackson, serving as emcee.
Two employers, KPFF Consulting Engineers and Bloodworks Northwest, received the award’s highest recognition of platinum level. Additionally two employers, Alere Health, LLC and UW Physicians received awards for the lowest drive-alone rate in the city and greatest trip reduction since 2013, respectively.
Seattle’s CTR program is a partnership connecting large employers to resources and tools that support the use of commute options that keep businesses and the economy thriving. For more than 20 years, Seattle’s CTR program has yielded strong results, with 66 percent of commuters from participating businesses now using transit, walking, carpooling, bicycling, or telecommuting. These travel choices reduce air pollution, traffic congestion, and energy consumption, which help make Seattle a great place to live and work.
Employers who provide strong transportation programs are more competitive in attracting top talent, improve employee satisfaction, and increase employee retention. This annual event provides an opportunity to highlight outstanding contributions towards a strong business environment and building a robust transportation system. To learn more about these awards and the city’s CTR program please visit: www.seattle.gov/waytogo/htm.