The certification scoring process looks over actions taken, programs maintained, and performance within the last year, from January 1 to December 31. Here are a few things to consider for the upcoming year:

For management to consider: 

• Offer incentives for not driving to work. Examples include:
  1. Preferred, free vanpool/carpool parking spots
  2. Discounted ORCA transit passes or subsidies
  3. Earned days off for staff who do not drive alone
  4. Secure, covered bike parking for staff
  5. On-site bike tune-ups and fix-it stations
  6. Parking rates, instead of a flat monthly rate
• Offer teleworking/compressed work weeks and flex schedules
• Fleet vehicles or bicycles for off-site meetings or errands
• Recognize top sustainable commuters

For Employee Transportation Coordinators (ETCs) to consider:

• Feel comfortable utilizing the Ride Together Pierce website and calendar to find resources and run reports
• Encourage staff to form carpools and vanpools by running zip code reports and reaching out to individuals
• Host Ride Together Pierce and/or inter-office campaigns to encourage sustainable modes of transportation
• Invite Ride Together Pierce to your Benefits Fair/Transportation Fair/staff meetings
• Promote existing benefits and facilities
• Provide employee recognition
• Maintain Commuter Information Center and post fresh marketing materials
• Attend a network, or training session related to commute trip reduction
• Distribute and collect baseline/measurement Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Program Employee Questionnaires (surveys) to achieve at least a 70% response rate
• Submit Quarterly Accomplishment and Annual Reports by due date

If you would like assistance achieving certification, get in touch with Ride Together Pierce to brainstorm, create an action plan, or get trained!

The next round of certified businesses will be announced in February 2023. There are three levels of certifications, Gold, Silver and Bronze.

• Employers certified as a “Best Commuter Business” will hold the title, and bragging rights, for the year they are announced.
• Certified employers will receive marketing materials to promote their BCB certification virtually (website text, banners, social media posts, etc.) and in-person (award, window decal, etc.)
• Certified employers can promote their certification to retain and recruit talent.
• Certified employers will be advertised in local news publications, on RideTogetherPierce.com, Facebook and Twitter.