Community Transit

What is CTR?

What is Commute Trip Reduction (CTR)?

CTR is a state law that requires employers with more than 100 employees to develop programs that encourage their employees to use alternatives to driving alone for their commute. The Washington State Legislature passed the original CTR law in 1991 in an effort to reduce traffic congestion, reduce energy use and alleviate air pollution. The law was recently updated with the passage of the CTR Efficiency ACT in 2006.

Who's Affected?

The CTR laws applies to all employers, including public (i.e., federal, state and local governments, and military) and private, which have 100 or more "affected" employees who work at a single worksite. "Affected employees" are those employees who:

• Work full-time (35 or more hours/week), and
• Are scheduled to begin work between 6 and 9 a.m. on two or more weekdays for at least 12 continuous months at a single worksite.

The CTR law also applies to local jurisdictions (cities and counties) where an affected employer is located, as well as all state agencies - even if they have fewer than 100 affected employees.

What must employers do?

Employers must make a good faith effort to develop and implement a CTR program. This means, at minimum, doing the following:

• Designating an Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC).
• Displaying the ETC's name and contact information where employees are likely to see it.
• Distributing information to employees about commute alternatives to driving alone.
• Implementing a set of measures geared toward achieving the CTR goals.
• Surveying employees about their commuting habits every two years.
• Reporting annually about progress toward meeting CTR goals.
• Meeting additional local requirements.

Some of the additional strategies that may be implemented at the worksite include:

• Forming a worksite CTR committee.
• Ensuring strong management support.
• Providing subsidies for commute alternatives.
• Charging for parking.
• Participating in ridematch programs.
• Holding transportation events.
• Providing other direct financial incentives.
• Participating in a Guaranteed Ride Home program.
• Providing preferential parking for carpools and vanpools.
• Providing bicycle racks and lockers.
• Providing showers and lockers.
• Installing and stocking commute information boards.
• Providing telework and compressed work week programs.
• Providing free or reduced parking fees for carpools and vanpools.

How can we help you?

Commute programs can be added to your benefit package at little cost to you and your company can profit from these programs. Employees who rideshare are absent and tardy less often, and are usually more productive. Demand for parking can be reduced. And, a CTR program can actually enhance your community and employee relations. Community Transit offers several programs in support of your efforts, so call Community Transit's Employer Outreach Staff today to get started.

• Mark Melnyk (425) 348-2304, mark.melnyk at commtrans dot org
• Debbie Anderson (425) 348-7185 debbie.anderson at commtrans dot org