About Commute Trip Reduction

Back to Home In 1993, the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Law (RCW 70.94.521-5 5 1) was passed to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and petroleum consumption through employer-based programs that reduce the number and distance of commute trips in single occupant vehicles (SOV).
 
After eleven years of implementation, all measurements point to the success of CTR. In December 2003, the Governor's Commute Trip Reduction Task Force submitted their 2003 Report to the Legislature that included statewide trip reduction results, cost measurements and input gathered from employers around the state. The report concludes:
 

CTR Works

Washington State commuters are increasing their use of alternatives to driving alone. A number of factors influence individual choices in commuting, including the CTR Program. However, the significantly higher use of commute alternatives at CTR worksites compared with other worksites in the same areas makes it clear the CTR Program is working.
 
Washington (Commute Trip Reduction Law) and Oregon (ECO Law) were the only states where the percentage of people driving alone to work decreased between 1990 and 2000. For all other states, the average rate for drive-alone commuting increased during the decade on average of 3.4 percent.
 
The drive-alone rate decreased even more at CTR worksites compared to statewide rates. The drive-alone rate at CTR worksites dropped from 71.1 percent in 1993 to 66.0 percent in 2003.
 
Why trip reduction is important is because it improves our air quality, enhances quality of life, reduces impact of increased traffic on infrastructure, and enhances mobility and economic vitality.
 

CTR is a good investment

Each dollar the state invests in CTR leverages more than fourteen dollars in investments from its private sector partners, a 7 percent increase compared to 2000. Employers invest in CTR because it makes good business sense and because they are supported by a strong and active county-wide program. More than 1,070 worksites participate in the CTR Program statewide. In King County, over 600 worksites are part of the CTR program.