Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Program 

The Commute Trip Reduction law was adopted in 1991 as part of the Washington Clean Air Act. The law applies to employers in counties with a population over 150,000 that have more than 100 employees. CTR sets goals for reducing vehicle miles traveled and drive-alone commuting (single occupancy vehicles or SOV). Requirements for employers are set by the CTR ordinance and Tumwater Municipal Code 16.34.

County-wide program

The City of Tumwater works in partnership Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC), the Cities of Olympia, Lacey, Yelm, Thurston County, the Department of General Administration, and Intercity Transit to administer the CTR program. TRPC's role is to assist Thurston County employers with their worksite programs, help employers understand the requirements of the law, assists with surveys and annual reports, and offers trainings and networking sessions.

Funding and Program Focus

State funding for the CTR program has spiraled downward. As such, the partnerships in the program are even more important. The program attempts a “clustered worksite” approach to maximize outreach in areas with multiple employers within a short radius. 

Through the program, employers are encouraged to offer incentives to employees to reduce vehicle miles traveled through alternative forms of transportation such as carpooling, public busing, vanpooling, walking and biking. Tumwater’s program also offers incentives for employees to reduce their carbon footprint in support of the City’s strategic sustainability goals. 

Additional information is available at Thurston Commutes-CTR  and WSDOT-Transit.