Employer Program Development

In 2006, the Washington Legislature adopted changes to the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law to make the program more effective and more efficient for employers and jurisdictions.  The new legislation, called the CTR Efficiency Act, focuses the program in the Urban Growth Areas experiencing the most traffic congestion on state highways rather than entire counties with populations greater than 150,000. 

CTR Efficiency Act serves to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion, and minimize energy consumption. One way the law aims to achieve this is by requiring employer-based programs that encourage employees to find alternatives to driving alone

The CTR Efficiency Act applies to all employers to both public (i.e. federal, state and local governments, and the military) and private, that have 100 or more “affected” employees who work at a single worksite.  “Affected” employees are those who work 35+ hours a week and are scheduled to begin work between the hours of 6 – 9 a.m. on at least 2 weekdays.

Required Employer Program Elements

• Employer programs are required to have the following:
• Mix of elements which encourages employees not to drive alone
• Engaged Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC)
• The ETC attends Basic ETC Training
• Monthly Distribution of Information
• Distribution of information at new hire orientation
• At least one transportation event a year
• Emergency Ride Home program
• Quarterly Accomplishment Reports
• Annual Report
• Survey every two years
• Maintain all records for two years

Quarterly and Annual Reporting Process

Employers located in Pierce County are required to report on their efforts through Quarterly Accomplishment Reports and an Annual Report. Both forms are provided to the employer in an electronic format. Employers need to submit copies of their policy guidelines, brochures, and marketing materials with the reports. Training is provided every fall on how to complete the online Annual Report.