Commute Trip Reduction and Connect Downtown
In an effort to reduce congestion on highways and local streets, the state supports programs that lower the number of cars, particularly those with one occupant, on the roads during peak travel periods.
The City of Bellevue is required by the state to maintain a Commute Trip Reduction plan, which is focused on employers citywide with 100 or more full-time employees. As of January 2010, there were 59 Bellevue worksites with 34,000 workers affected by this program, approximately 24 percent of all workers in the city.
Bellevue also operates the Connect Downtown plan, under the state's voluntary Growth and Transportation Efficiency Center program. This plan addresses commute tips to downtown businesses with fewer than 100 employees, as well as trips by residents.
The Commute Trip Reduction and Connect Downtown plans identify strategies and recommend programs that increase travel options to driving alone for commuters and residents. Examples include walking, biking, taking the bus or joining a car- or vanpool. The City Council adopted the plans in March 2008.
The state Department of Transportation offers detailed information about the Commute Trip Reduction Efficiency Act. For information on travel options in Bellevue, see the ChooseYourWayBellevue.org website. For additonal information, contact Kate Johnson (contact information in right column of this page).