For Large Businesses: Commute Trip Reduction (CTR)
What is Commute Trip Reduction (CTR)?
Is your company keeping up with the variety of transportation options available? Since 1991, the Commute Trip Reduction law has been key to reducing Seattle’s drive-alone rate to historic lows. The Commute Trip Reduction law requires large Seattle employers (100+ employees) to mitigate the traffic impacts of their business by working to reduce drive alone commutes to their sites. Commute Seattle works on behalf of SDOT to offer free assistance to help employers comply with the CTR requirements, including:
- Conducting and submitting a biannual Commute Survey to employees
- Submitting a Program Report
- Maintaining an appointed “Employee Transportation Coordinator” or ETC for short
- Exercising a good faith effort
Our Team
Contact one of our Commute Trip Reduction Specialists today to get started:
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If you have questions about Commute Trip Reduction, such as how to meet your requirements or how to start and maintain an employer commute program, checkout out our resource library.
Upcoming Requirements
Employee Commute Survey Requirement
The next employee commute survey requirement for CTR and MIMP worksites begins Monday, October 3, 2022. Affected sites will administer the commuter survey to employees between October 3, 2022 and November 18, 2022. Find answers to frequently asked questions online.
Employer Program Reporting Requirement
The City of Seattle CTR Program requires affected worksites to submit program reports every other year. Program Reports were due on January 31st, 2022. Unsure about your program report standing? Contact Commute Seattle.
Click the button below for a preview of the typical questions asked in the CTR Program Report. Use our quick tutorial to get started. Contact Commute Seattle for free support to meet your program report requirements!
Current Participants We Work With
Check out some of our success stories below!
“Commute Seattle has been essential in our efforts to translate the CTR law and its implications into meaningful programs. We have been able to move the dial by using advice from their commute experts to build creative, low cost programs that help our employees drive less.”
– Tableau
“Steer is thankful for the great partnership we’ve fostered with Commute Seattle. It’s evident in their high-quality work and in their comprehensive knowledge of the industry and regional best practices for commuter programs and transportation demand management regulatory compliance.”
– Steer
“Commute Seattle is a fabulous resource. They are great thought partners, communicate well and connect employers and ideas.”
– Grange Insurance Association
– Port of Seattle
Could you be our next annual champion?
A little friendly competition in the name of transportation never hurt! Each year, Seattle businesses are recognized as Commute Trip Reduction Champions for their dedication to improving employee commutes in Seattle, along with their success in Commute Trip Reduction. We gather to celebrate Employee Transportation Coordinators (ETCs) and hear best practices from our Champions.
As an employer, your submission of the Program Report, engagement with Commute Seattle, transportation benefits provided and continued and sustained reduction in Drive Alone Rates (DAR) will contribute to your recognition level within the CTR Champions program. Learn more about SDOT’s CTR Champions program.
Compliance
What is the Commute Trip Reduction law? What is required?
The Commute Trip Reduction is a state law passed in 1991 that requires large employers (100+ employees) to mitigate the traffic impacts of their business by working to reduce driving. This is a state law administered by local jurisdictions which is why the City regulates the State Commute Trip Reduction Law. For more information on the Commute Trip Reduction law, visit SDOT’s resource for in-depth details on the program.
Required Commuter Survey
What is the survey?
Large Seattle employers (100+ employees) are required to conduct a baseline measure of employee commute behavior, via the state-provided Employee Questionnaire.
The state-provided Employee Questionnaire is available in paper or online format. The ETC distributes and collects the surveys and the state processes them. A 50% response rate is required but a 70% response rate is desired.
Special cases: Instead of the survey, certain employers can provide equivalent data from other records or surveys, but this must be pre-approved by SDOT and WSDOT.
When do I need to administer the survey?
For large Seattle employers, the survey must be completed within 90 days of becoming a CTR-affected employer.
These employers must also measure employee commute behavior every two years to determine their programs towards their drive-alone reduction goals.
Typically, this survey occurs in the fall of even-numbered years.
Required Facilities & Program Benefits Report
What is the Program Report?
A standard report that describes the actions a CTR-Affected company has taken during the preceding year and the actions it will take in the coming year to promote alternative commute modes (i.e., non-drive alone). The report helps contextualize employee commuter habits and regional commuter benefit trends. In short, the Program Report is a workplace facilities, benefits and amenities report.
When do I need to submit a Program Report?
The City of Seattle Commute Trip Reduction program requires affected companies to submit program reports every other year. Program Reports are due in January of the even year. You can view all upcoming deadlines in the upcoming requirements section.
How often must an employer submit a CTR Program Report?
The City of Seattle requires employers subject to state and city CTR requirements to submit a Program Report biennially, online, on even years.
What is the (Optional) Program Summary?
We collect the best examples for best practices (anonymized at your request) to share with others and to use for our Champions Awards in the future. This is your opportunity to submit your best and most comprehensive communications piece, previously known as the Program Summary. Show us how you display your most recent commuting data, summarize your key achievements and communicate the program to others. Examples could include a PDF copy of a flyer, or a screenshot of an intranet site. Only PDF, DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF files are supported. If you would like to submit another file type, please email it directly to your Commute Seattle Transportation Specialist. Find an example template online here.
How is the Program Report administered?
The CTR Program Report is administered via DocuSign. A notification and link will come directly to the ETC contact on file via email.
Where can I preview the Program Report questions?
We know worksites may need to do research or consult additional people to complete the Program Report. You can preview the CTR Program Report questions here.
What happens after the Program Report is submitted?
Once submitted, the Program Report is reviewed for its completeness, its inclusion of mandatory program elements and the likelihood it will result in trip reduction.
Does the CTR Program Report count towards the CTR Champions Awards?
Yes! Your submission of the Program Report, engagement with Commute Seattle, transportation benefits and outreach and a further reduction in Drive Alone Rates (DAR) will contribute to your recognition level within the CTR Champions program. You can boost your chances of receiving an award by submitting your best and most comprehensive communications piece, previously known as the Program Summary. This is an optional component of the CTR Program Report.
What if I’m a property manager?
For more information about property manager requirements (such as having a Transportation Management Program agreement) view the City’s guide here or contact a Transportation Specialist here at Commute Seattle.
How We Can Help
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Here at Commute Seattle, we provide comprehensive regulatory support for businesses like you who are affected by the Commute Trip Reduction law.
We understand that complying with regulations can be a complex and confusing process, but we’re here both to make it easy for you and to maximize the value you can get from your employer commute programs.
Our Services
- Regulatory compliance with the Washington State Commute Trip Reduction Law and Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.02
- Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) education and coaching
- Educational seminars and networking opportunities for ETC’s and their employees
- Customized transportation consultations to help create and manage a successful employee commute program
- Information on commute options, resources, and incentives, including emerging technologies and new mobility
- Information on transportation infrastructure and service changes such as new light rail and bus route changes improving access and mobility to and within downtown