The Westside Transportation Alliance is the central point of contact for employers in Washington County seeking assistance with auto trip reduction programs and resources.

Reducing auto trips to the workplace is a goal that has long-lasting benefits for everyone; we encourage all companies to help their employees get to work without driving, regardless of company size or location. The WTA is ready to answer a question over the phone or guide members through a detailed plan for DEQ.

Companies with more than 100 employees are required by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to reduce auto trips by 10% within three years. The WTA offers resources and tools to help you develop an effective auto trip reduction plan that satisfies the DEQ mandate and your internal goals.

Develop Your Plan with the WTA

The WTA offers members a planning resource guide - "Plan, Implement and Succeed" - and personally assists in developing your customized auto trip reduction plan.

1. Establish a Transportation Committee or Green Team

We recommend gathering a group of interested people to share their expertise and build enthusiasm within the organization.

2. Survey Existing Facilities

Your company may already have carpool parking, bike facilities and good access to transit.

• WTA assists members with identifying current facilities and recommends opportunities for expansion.

3. Survey Employees

Find out how your colleagues get to work now and what incentives would inspire them to make more sustainable choices such as transit, biking, walking, carpooling and vanpooling. DEQ requires a survey every two years.

• WTA offers members an online survey accepted by DEQ.

4. Choose Incentives, Determine your Budget

Employee incentives that fit your budget may include free or subsidized transit passes, secure bike parking, gift cards and muffins on Friday.

• WTA connects members with a TriMet representative to help determine the most appropriate transit pass program for your company.

5. Offset Incentive Costs with BETC

The State of Oregon offers Business Energy Tax Credits for eligible incentives that reduce auto trips.

• WTA offers members BETC application assistance.
• WTA membership dues are eligible for BETC credits.

6. Develop and Implement Your Plan

Use the data you've gathered to set trip-reduction targets and roll out your program and incentives.

• WTA offers Worksite Presentations to educate employees about the value of your trip-reduction plan including the importance of taking the surveys and the financial benefit of your transportation incentives.
• WTA offers Regional Travel Options Training - a series of classes for transportation coordinators and anyone interested in understanding the benefits and methods of promoting transportation options.
• WTA presents the Carefree Commuter Challenge - a region-wide event to create enthusiasm for getting to work without driving alone during the month of July (open to non-members)
• WTA presents the Westside Commuter Club - an on-going incentive delivery program to motivate colleagues to stick with the habit of not driving (fee for non-members)
• WTA helps set up carpools using a geo-coded map of home locations and CarpoolMatchNW.com
• WTA promotes the benefits of subsidized vanpools and connect employees to vanpool vendors

7. Chart Your Success

After a designated period of time (DEQ requires a survey every two years), repeat your employee survey to determine your auto-trip reduction rate. Share the results with all employees and celebrate your success!

The WTA is happy to answer any questions about what we can do for you. We invite all Washington County businesses to join us in fostering a healthy environment.

Karen Frost

Executive Director

503.906.7961

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