A recent episode of Speed & Scale, a podcast from TED, explored how Washington State employers helped solve a transportation crisis—and in the process, reduced both congestion and emissions. Following the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, the state created its Commute Trip Reduction law, requiring large employers to take responsibility for how employees get to work. Businesses responded with creativity by paying for bus passes, vanpools, offering flexible work schedules, adding telework options long before it was common, and even created car-share systems. 

These efforts worked! Washington's non-drive alone rate is now nearly double the national average, proving that employer engagement can meaningfully shift commute habits. The takeaway is clear: when businesses lead with innovative commute programs, they not only cut emissions but also improve employee satisfaction, retention, and access to opportunity. 

On a local level, WTA partners with Washington County employers to create commute programs that work for them!

• "WTA's support has been instrumental in helping Intel advance our sustainable commuting strategy,"  said Courtney Martin, Intel.
  
• "WTA is a long-term partner in helping us strengthen sustainable commuting options for our employees," shared Carla Chen, LAIKA. 

Contact us to learn how we can help your organization develop creative, effective transportation solutions that meet your goals.

Listen to the full episode: Speed & Scale—​How employers in Washington State solved a transportation crisis

Beaverton is updating its Climate Action Plan, and the city wants to hear from you. Join the open house on Thursday, November 13, from 5 - 7 p.m. at Beaverton City Hall,  to learn about the proposed plan, explore key focus areas, and share your feedback. 

This is a drop-in event with interactive stations, light refreshments, and opportunities to shape Beaverton's sustainable future. Parking validation will be provided for The Round Parking Garage. You can also bike, bus, or take the MAX to the Central Beaverton station.

Learn more at BeavertonOregon.gov

Join us on Tuesday October 7 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm for a free virtual workshop: How to Get the Most From Your WTA Membership. 

This session is designed for both current members and businesses curious about what we do. Learn how WTA can support your workplace with: 

• Customized programs and events
• Free commuter and employer services
• Incentive programs
• Members success stories and testimonials

Don't miss this chance to connect, ask questions, and explore how WTA can help your business thrive.

Join WTA for the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Forum, taking place October 28-29 in Portland. This Forum is an engaging two-day event that brings together transportation professionals, industry leaders, and community innovators who are passionate about creating more sustainable, equitable, and accessible communities. It's a great opportunity to learn, share, and connect with others shaping the future of mobility. 

This year's Forum features four dynamic learning tracks: 

1. Making the Case for TDM: Transforming Perception into Action across Sectors
2. Cleared for Connection: TDM Strategies for Airports and Beyond
3. Parking Smarter: Utilizing TDM as a Parking Management Tool
4. TDM at the Main Event: Strategies for Managing Global Spectacles and Hometown Happenings

You can find full event details HERE. 

To get $200 off your registration, use code PC25PORTLAND

This Forum is not only about the sessions, it's about the conversations, the networking, and the ideas you'll take back to your work and community. We hope to see you there!

As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to refresh how your employees get to work. Want to boost retention and employee satisfaction? It starts with the ride to work. Commute benefit programs can improve your employees’ commutes and your business, but it can be hard to know where to start! 

We’re working with our partners at Get There Portland Metro to help you find the commute benefit solutions that best fit your needs, connect you with inexpensive ways to encourage travel options to your employees, and more!

There are three ways you can get started:
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1. Attend the free webinar on October 23 at 11a.m. to learn how to implement a commute benefit program that fits your workplace.

2. Download the free Commute Benefit Program Guide for step-by-step tips and resources.

Starting November 30, service frequency (how often buses arrive) will be reduced during lower ridership times.

• 52 - Farmington/185th: Buses will arrive once an hour after 9 p.m.

On March 1, service frequency (how often buses arrive) will be reduced during lower ridership times. More details will be available in January.

• 48 - Cornell
• 76 - Hall/Greenburg

Save the date for the Association for Commuter Transportation's Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Forum, taking place this October 28 - 29 at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront.

The TDM Forum is a unique learning and sharing opportunity for transportation industry experts, TDM professionals, stakeholders, new thinkers, and skilled practitioners who strive to make their communities more sustainable, equitable, and accessible. Participants will spend two days discussing innovative initiatives and policies, and learning about nation-leading programs within track-based learning.

WTA member organizations are eligible for a special registration discount. Contact us to receive your code.

WTA is excited to share Forth's upcoming EVAL Information Session with Michael Ryer, MBA, Senior Program Associate at Forth on Thursday, September 4 at 9:00 AM PT.

Is your organization ready to be recognized as a leader in clean transportation? 

This session will walk you through how EVAL (Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership) certification can elevate your workplace with national recognition. You'll get a step-by-step overview of the certification process, hear about the tools and resources available to employers, and have the chance to ask questions in a live Q&A. 

Click here to register now and secure your spot!