Commute Trip Reduction Basics

Background

In 1991 the Washington State Legislature adopted the Commute Trip Reduction Law, RCW 70.94.521-527, requiring certain jurisdictions and employers to adopt plans and programs that help reduce drive-alone commutes. Consistent with the state’s requirements, the City of Seattle adopted a commute trip reduction plan in 1992, Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.02. The law requires major employers to develop, implement and promote programs that help employees reduce drive alone commutes.

Basic Requirements for Employers: An employer with 100 or more employees who report to work at a single site between 6 and 9 a.m. is subject to the law. The employer must:

• Appoint and maintain an individual to act as an Employee Transportation Coordinator for employees and to be the primary contact with the City.
• Develop and promote a program that helps employees reduce drive-alone commute trips.
• Submit the program to the City for review and approval once every two years.
• Exercise a good faith effort by collaborating with the City in its administration and implementation of the law.
• Conduct a commuter survey once every two years to measure employees’ drive alone rates.

Resources:

• City of Seattle contact: Kathleen Anderson, Sr. Transportation Planner, 206-684-5017, kathy.anderson@seattle.gov
• City of Seattle CTR Ordinance, SMC 25:02
  
• State of Washington contact: Kathy Johnston, CTR Program Manager
• RCW 70.94.521, State CTR Law
• Washington Administrative Code 63-68