Show All Answers

1. What is an Employee Transaction Coordinator (ETC)?

An Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) is someone who promotes transportation options within a company's commute options program. They act as a go-between for the company's management and employees, as well as for the employer and local jurisdiction. Their job is to help implement, promote and administer the company's commute option program, and track progress in meeting Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) requirements.

The ETC does a variety of things, like meeting with management to decide on program elements, working with transit agencies and the local government, completing reporting requirements, coordinating employee surveys, helping employees find rideshares, promoting the commute options program, and tracking employee participation. 

2. What is the Washington State Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law?

The Washington State Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law is a state mandate requiring affected employers with 100 or more employees who work at a single worksite to develop and implement a program to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips during peak commuting hours. 

Puget Sound’s I-5 is one of the nation’s worst congestion points causing issues for the environment, commuters, and employers. To solve these issues, the Washington State legislature adopted the Commute Trip Reduction law which is now also part of Washington’s Clean Air act. 

The CTR goal is to reduce statewide air pollution from greenhouse gas emissions through a commute trip reduction program where use of single-occupant vehicles is less, favoring alternative modes of travel. 

3. What are the benefits of CTR?

For employers, implementing a CTR program can result in cost savings by reducing the need for parking spaces and potentially avoiding expensive road and parking lot expansions. 

Additionally, CTR programs reduce the vehicle miles traveled by employees and can improve employee satisfaction by providing more commuting options that fit their work schedules while potentially reducing their commuting costs. This, in turn, can lead to increased retention rates and decreased absenteeism.

For the community, CTR programs can reduce traffic congestion, which in turn can lead to improved air quality and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road can lead to improved public safety and decreased wear and tear on roads and highways.

Overall, the CTR law aims to promote sustainable transportation options, improve quality of life, and reduce negative impacts on the environment and the community.