1. Changing the Commuter Equation
How we can use flexible commuter benefits to create less traffic and pollution and happier workers
Cheryl Cort
Coalition for Smarter Growth
Feb. 9, 2017

2. Changing the commute for a sustainable & accessible city
DC area traffic congestion ranks among worst
21% of area workplaces offer free parking
DC has one of most robust transit networks in the country
DC’s walk & bike to work rates tied with Boston for highest
36% of DC households have no car
How we commute is part of the problem –
Traffic congestion – harms bus service, freight movement, accessibility for those who need to drive
Employers offering free or subsidized parking generates commuter traffic, pollution, crashes
DC’s assets – transit network, walk/bike rates, low car ownership rates

3. Commute mode & commuter benefit category for all DC commuters
How are people commuting to DC jobs? This chart shows how people commute to DC jobs based on what kind of commute subsidy they receive.
No subsidy -- drive alone – always important option; Transit also important
Subsidy – pay to drive hits 85% drive alone rate; pay to take transit hits 62%, or more than doubles transit use
Subsidize both parking & transit – free parking depresses transit & even walk/bike rates
What isn’t measured here is if the employer offered a similar financial incentive to walk or bike, as it does for driving or transit.
Source: Calculations by Andrea Hamre using the 2007/2008 DC Household Travel Survey Sample: 3,238 commuters working in Washington, DC with a reported commute mode and commuter benefits (excludes those who worked at home); Regional sample weights applied

4. DC and Non-DC Residents: Commute by Mode
DC residents much more likely to ride transit, walk, bike to work. Only 1/3 drive, 44% ride transit & 18% walk or bike.
Walk/bike rate = 18% = phenomenal
What if we paid people to walk or bike rather than drive to work?
Only a small reduction in traffic can have a major impact on reducing peak-period congestion.
Source: Calculations by Andrea Hamre using the 2007/2008 DC Household Travel Survey
Sample: 987 DC residents and 2,324 non-DC residents working in Washington, DC with reported commute mode (excludes those who worked at home); Regional sample weights applied

5. Bike/walk satisfaction up; Metrorail/drive is down
Walk & bike commuter are almost universally satisfied
DC’s streets and bicycle facilities (protected bike lanes) increasing
Drive alone is down a little
Metrorail down a lot

6. Motivations for using non-drive alone modes
Motivations for walk & bike commuters –
#1: 73% cite health benefit
#2: 41% save money (most others cite)

7. Opportunity for DC expand flexible commute benefits
Do you know of DC employers who cash-out parking spaces?
DC unique advantage for non-drive commutes
Employer/employee benefits: walk & bike commutes boost morale with cost savings & healthier trip
Public benefit of 10-12% decrease in drive-alone commutes, disproportionate reduction in peak traffic congestion, plus pollution
DC’s pre-tax commuter benefit law allows & encourages for flexing benefits