HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2007-039WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO.
2007 -331
CLEARANCES
Initial
Date
Date Received in Council Office
Agenda Date
Assigned to:
Originator:
John Everett
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8/7/2007
Council
Division Head
Linda Peterson
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Dept. Head:
Sam Ryan
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Prosecutor:
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Purchasing/Budget:
J N C R L
Executive:
TITLE OF DOCUMENT:
Resolution in support of County's Draft Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution with attached draft CTR Plan
SEPA review required? ( ) Yes ( X) NO
Should Clerk schedule a hearing? ( ) Yes (X ) NO
SEPA review completed? ( ) Yes ( ) NO
Requested Date:
SUMMARYSTATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: (If this item is an ordinance or requires a public
hearing, you must provide lire language for use in the required public notice. Be spec fc and cite RCW or WCC as appropriate. Be
clear in explaining the intent of the action.)
Whatcom County has prepared a preliminary draft Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan in accordance with the 2006
Commute Trip Reduction Efficiency Act and the review process for such plans requires that the County Council adopt,
approve, or otherwise endorse the draft plan prior to forwarding it by August 22, 2007 to the Whatcom Council of
Governments and Washington Commute Trip Reduction Board for their review. Under consideration is a Council
resolution provisionally supporting the work developed to date in the County's Draft Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan,
with the understanding that the County will complete additional review of this plan prior to its adoption in early 2008.
COMMITTEE ACTION. •
COUNCIL ACTION:
8/7/2007: Council Approved 6 -0
Caskey— Schreiber absent
Res. 2007 -039
Related County Contract #:
Related File Numbers:
Ordinance or Resolution Number:
Res. 2007 -039
Please Note: Once adopted and signed, ordinances and resolutions are available for viewing and printing on
the County's website at: www.co.whatcom.wa.us/council.
1:12 Planning DivisionlCouncihagenda _ bill.doc
SPONSORED BY: Consent
PROPOSED BY: Planning
INTRODUCTION DATE: August 7, 2007
RESOLUTION ## 2007 -039
A RESOLUTION OF WHATCOM COUNTY, provisionally supporting the work developed to date
in the County's Draft Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan, with the undcrstanding that the
County will complete additional review of this plan prior to its adoption in early 2008.
WHEREAS, in 1997, Whatcom County adopted the Commute Trip Reduction Ordinance (WCC
16.24) in order to comply with the Commute Trip Reduction Act (RCW 70.94.52 1) adopted by the
Washington State Legislature in 1991; and
WHEREAS, in 2006, the Washington State Legislature passed the Commute Trip Reduction
Efficiency Act which amend the requirements for CTR - affected counties to develop and implement local
CTR plans; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County has prepared a preliminary draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan in
accordance with the 2006 legislative revisions to RCW 70.94.521; and the review process for such plans
requires that the local elected body adopt, approve, or other wise endorse the draft plan prior to forwarding
it by August 22, 2007 to the Whatcom Council of Governments and Washington Commute Trip Reduction
Board for their review; and
WHEREAS, the County has the authority to further refine the plan, as well as to address any
comments received in the agency compliance review, before taking final action on the CTR Plan in early
2008;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Whatcom County Council provisionally
supports the work developed to date in the County's Draft Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan, attached
as Exhibit A, with the understanding that the County will complete additional review of this plan prior to
its adoption in early 2008.
APPROVED this 7th
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ATTE�jN� co
also
i
4 • .
• -.I. •-
day of August , 2007
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
rk Carl Weimer, Chairperson
APPROVED as to form:
Civil Dep s utor
Pete emen, Executive
Date:
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION........................................................... ..............................1
I. BASELINE ASSESSMENT ..................................... ............................... 3
II. AND III. BASELINE AND GOALS FOR 2011 ....... .............................12
IV. STRATEGIES FOR ACHIEVING GOALS AND TARGETS .............13
V. REQUIREMENTS FOR MAJOR EMPLOYERS .... .............................19
VI. FINANCIAL PLAN .............................................. ............................... 22
VII. IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE .................... ............................... 26
VIII. DOCUMENTATION OF CONSULTATION ....... ............................... 28
List of Appendices
Appendix A:
Whatcom County Vicinity CTR Worksites
Appendix B:
Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Map
Appendix C:
Whatcom County Zoning Map
Appendix D:
Whatcom County Transit Services and Facilities
Appendix E:
Whatcom County Non - Motorized Facilities
Appendix F:
Commute Trip Reduction Workshop Summary
Appendix G:
Summary of Policies That Support CTR
Appendix H:
Correspondence from Transit Agency
Appendix I:
Glossary of Terms
Whatcom County i June 2007
Commute Trip Reduction Plan
INTRODUCTION
In 1997, Whatcom County adopted the Commute Trip Reduction Ordinance (WCC 16.24). The
purpose of this ordinance was to comply with the Commute Trip Reduction Act RCW 70.94.521
adopted by the Washington State Legislature in 1991. This law requires employers of 100 or more
employees who arrive between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to develop and implement a program to
encourage their employees to reduce vehicle miles traveled and drive alone trips.
In 2006, the Washington State Legislature passed the Commute Trip Reduction Efficiency Act
which amended the requirements for local governments in those counties experiencing the
greatest automobile - related air pollution and traffic congestion to develop and implement plans to
reduce drive alone trips. This plan has been prepared in accordance with these revisions to RCW
70.94.521.
The goal of the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan is to reduce drive alone vehicles by 10% and
vehicle miles traveled by 13% by 2011. To achieve these goals, the CTR Plan is a collection of
County - adopted goals and policies, facility and service improvements, and marketing strategies
about how the County will help make progress for reducing drive alone trips and vehicle miles
traveled over the next four years. Building upon the success of the existing commute trip reduction
program, the County strives to meet the goals of the plan for the future by working in partnership
and coordination with other agencies and employers.
This proposed plan has been developed through extensive involvement by employers, transit
agencies, organizations and individuals from throughout the County, who helped identify strategies
and ways for successful achievement of the goals. This plan helps to support the achievement of
the County's vision and the goals of its comprehensive plan.
Benefits of the CTR Program to Whatcom County
Although the Commute Trip Reduction Program only applies to major work sites in Whatcom
County, the CTR program will continue to grow and address a variety of transportation and
environmental issues. Several trends are increasing the value of CTR in Whatcom County,
particularly as an alternative to expanding roads and parking facilities. Those trends include:
• Rising facility costs. The cost of expanding highways and parking facilities is increasing.
In many cases it is more cost effective to manage demand than to continue expanding
supply. If the CTR program is successful, it will help reduce the demand on state, regional
and local streets. This in turn helps to reduce the need to expand the roadway system.
• Demographics. As the population becomes older and more mature, it will become more
important to increase the availability of quality travel options for non - drivers. Senior
citizens will be more dependent on transit and non - motorized travel options.
• Energy Costs. Vehicle fuel costs have risen dramatically and are projected to increase in
the future due to depletion of oil supplies and environmental constraints. Rising costs
have increased the demand for non -drive alone travel alternatives. The vanpool market, in
Whatcom County 1 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
particular, has exceeded demand and there are currently waiting lists for available
vanpools.
• Consumer preferences and market trends. CTR is addressing current consumer
preferences in which more consumers want to live in more multi -modal communities where
it is possible to walk and bicycle safely, use neighborhood services, and have access to
quality public transportation.
• Environmental concerns. CTR helps to address concerns over air pollution, sprawl and
other environmental impacts by reducing the demand for automobiles. Automobiles
comprise 55% of air pollutants. For each car that is taken off the road, there is a
significant benefit to the environment.
In summary, the CTR program is a cost - effective program that addresses a number of issues in
Whatcom County. Although CTR has been applied to only a few work sites, the program will
continue to grow and expand as solutions are needed for complex transportation and
environmental issues.
Whatcom County 2 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
I. BASELINE ASSESSMENT
Affected CTR:WorkSites .;
As part of the baseline assessment, the County analyzed the land use and transportation
conditions at each of the CTR- affected work sites. Under the CTR ordinance, there are two
affected worksites in the Whatcom County. Those worksites include the following:
Name
Address
Alpha Technologies, Inc.
3765 Alpha Way, Bellingham, WA
Anvil Corporation
1675 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, WA
Described below are the land use and transportation conditions of the CTR- affected work sites. To
see the locations of the CTR work sites, please refer to the attached map of the County in
Appendix A.
Whatcom County 3 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Mayor fssues °Regarding _Land. Else and--- ransportatton Conditions: Aroland GTR Work Sites:
Alpha Technologies, Inc. — 3765 Alpha Way, Bellingham, WA 98226
Existing and planned land use conditions:
Alpha Technologies is located in a light industrial
zone. Surrounding land uses include Gateway
Industrial to the east and Airport Operations to the
west.
There are no planned changes to the current land
use.
Existing and planned transportation
This worksite is located on Alpha Way, at the
facilities:
intersection with Airport Drive, a secondary arterial.
The county plans to add sidewalks between
Bakerview Road and Airport Drive, near this worksite.
Existing and planned transit services and
This worksite is served by Whatcom Transit Route 50
facilities (within a quarter of a mile):
and is close to the Cordata Transit station. There are
sidewalks on many of the streets in the vicinity of this
worksite, the transit station, and bus stops. This
worksite is not far from Bellingham International
Airport.
There are no proposed changes to the service near
this worksite.
Existing parking conditions:
Alpha Technologies has a large parking lot with
ample space for all employees and visitors. There is
covered bicycle storage behind the building.
Whatcom County 4 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Alpha Technologies, Inc. — 3765 Alpha Way, Bellingham, WA 98226
Building entrance
Driveway
Parking lot
Bus stop
Wtafcom Coign - AI lia Teclnolo ies Inc
ID Number:
E25106
Total Number of Employees:
216
Affected CTR Employees:
206
2011 Drive Alone Goal:
72%
2011 VMTIEm to ee Goal:
9 Miles/day
Services Available:
Bus
Bus Routes:
50
Parking:
Alpha Technologies has a large parking lot with ample
space for all employees and visitors. There is covered
bicycle storage behind the building.
Recommended CTR Strategies:
Work with COG on setting up vanpools for long- distance
commuters, encourage more employees to use an
alternative work schedule, encourage employer to add
lockers /showers and to provide incentives for commuters,
provide preferred parking for commuters, provide lunch
service at site or shuttle to lunch facilities.
Whatcom County 5 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Anvil Corporation — 9675 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226
Existing and planned land use conditions:
Anvil Corporation is located in a light industrial zone.
Surrounding land uses include Gateway Industrial to
the east and Airport Operations to the west.
There are no planned changes to the current land
use.
Existing and planned transportation
This worksite is located on West Bakerview Road, a
facilities:
principle arterial.
The county plans to add sidewalks between
Bakerview Road and Airport Drive, near this worksite.
Existing and planned transit services and
This worksite is served by Whatcom Transit Route 55
facilities (within a quarter of a mile):
and is close to the Cordata Transit station. There are
sidewalks on many of the streets in the vicinity of this
worksite, the transit station, and bus stops. This
worksite is not far from Bellingham International
Airport.
In 2008, Route 55 will have an extra trip added in
each direction.
Existing parking conditions:
This site has two separate parking lots with no
access to each other. Although the lots on the side
are generally full during business flours there is a
large lot behind the building that has ample space for
employees. There is covered bicycle storage on -site.
Whatcom County 6 June 2007
Craft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Anvil Corporation --1675 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226
Building entrance
Parking lot
Sheltered bike racks
Driveway entrance
WtafcomC:ount , - An;�.il-.C:or oration
ID Number:
E25023
Total Number of Employees:
227
Affected CTR Employees:
213
2011 Drive Alone Goal:
75%
2011 VMT /Em Io ee Goal:
10 Mileslda
Services Available:
Bus
Bus Routes:
55
Parking:
This site has ample space for employees and visitors. There is
covered bicycle storage on -site.
Recommended CTR
Work with COG on setting up vanpools for long - distance
Strategies:
commuters, encourage more employees to use an alternative
work schedule, encourage employer to allow telework, add
lockerstshowers and to provide incentives for commuters,
provide parking space cash out options, provide preferred
parking for commuters, and provide lunch service at site or
shuttle to lunch facilities.
Whatcom County 7 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Supporting.:Gomprehensive Plan Policies ,
As part of the baseline assessment, the County reviewed its existing Comprehensive Plan to
identify policies that support CTR, Whatcom County's Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1994
and most recently amended in January 2005. The Plan's Land Use Element and Transportation
Elements contain the majority of the Plan's policies that support Commute Trip Reduction in
Whatcom County.
The vision of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan describes the county as a place where
urban growth is concentrated in urban areas and there is a distinct boundary between urban and
rural uses. The County encourages agricultural uses, protection of resource lands and water
resources, and where land use changes are brought about through incentive programs.
The plan describes rural areas as places that are peaceful and quiet with less traffic and
congestion than in urban areas. There is low- density development with open spaces allowing for
privacy. A sense of community is retained and local control is exercised in land use decisions.
In the land Use Element, the county has a number of goals and policies that plan for the growth of
the county in the next ten to twenty years. Whatcom County currently has a population of 180,800
and is projected to have a 2015 population of 220,366 people. The county wants to ensure that
there is sufficient land and densities to accommodate the growth needs of Whatcom County and
protect the qualities that make the county a desirable place to live. It proposes to concentrate
urban levels of development within designated urban growth areas. In addition, the UGAs need to
plan for a full range of services including urban public transit.
The county wants to ensure that cities have adopted mechanisms that will encourage densities at
desired levels. The county has proposed a policy to encourage more density in certain urbanized
or urbanizing areas within the county, as shown on the following table.
The county also is encouraging infill to occur in existing areas with urban characteristics by utilizing
such techniques as lot clustering, varied lot sizes, small scale multi - family dwellings, and
reductions in infrastructure requirements for subdivisions. The County is also looking at how to
meet the GMA requirements in more rural areas and has therefore proposed that no residential
development shall occur at greater than one unit per five acres and that all residential development
on parcels greater than 20 acres shall be clustered on no more than 20 percent of the property.
Whatcom County 8 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
.P _W Res�detit�al
{F2-
Bellingham
6 -12 DU/ac
Ferndale
6 -8 DUlac
L nden
5 -8 DUlac
Other small communities &
Average 4 DU/ac
Unincorporated Areas
The county also is encouraging infill to occur in existing areas with urban characteristics by utilizing
such techniques as lot clustering, varied lot sizes, small scale multi - family dwellings, and
reductions in infrastructure requirements for subdivisions. The County is also looking at how to
meet the GMA requirements in more rural areas and has therefore proposed that no residential
development shall occur at greater than one unit per five acres and that all residential development
on parcels greater than 20 acres shall be clustered on no more than 20 percent of the property.
Whatcom County 8 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Policies within the Transportation Element include recommendations to make roadway
improvements where necessary to allow transit service, encourage alternative modes of
transportation to conserve fossil fuels and reduce the drive alone rate of commuters, and
encourage biking and walking. The County is a strong proponent of non - motorized transportation
and multi -modal transportation (i.e., bike and transit) and has several plans to improve pedestrian
facilities and routes. The plan has a number of goals and policies that link land use planning and
transportation planning elements to ensure that high density and mixed use developments are
encouraged in urban areas for non - motorized transportation and transit use. The county also plans
to:
• Identify and pursue funding sources for activities and improvements which encourage
the use of transportation modes other than the single- occupant vehicle.
• Support the development and use of new technologies (e.g., fiber optics, other
communication improvements) and approaches to planning in Whatcom County, so as
to minimize the reliance on vehicular travel.
• Incorporate alternatives to conventional petroleum -based technology systems into
transportation planning.
• Assess the need and feasibility for preferential treatment for transit vehicles, vanpools,
and carpools to improve competitive transit time with the single- occupant vehicle.
• Support educational efforts that emphasize non - motorized transportation altematives.
• Support passenger rail service.
• Implement a methodology for public- private partnerships when it would result in a
more efficient use of public resources.
• Coordinate with international, federal, state, regional (including Skagit and Okanogan
Counties), and local transportation laws, policies, and plans that relate to the Whatcom
County Transportation Plan -A Combined Metropolitan and Regional Plan, in order to
be consistent and compatible with regional priorities.
• Work with the Whatcom Council of Governments to develop effective, ongoing
mechanisms for city and county public works engineers and planners to coordinate
with transit and bicycle planning.
• Support land use planning efforts in Whatcom County which include land use types
and densities that reduce reliance on single- occupant vehicles.
Appendix G includes an analysis of the Comprehensive Plan goals and policies that support CTR.
The CTR Planning Guide included a list of goals and policies that CTR - affected jurisdictions should
incorporate into their comprehensive plans. The analysis conducted for this CTR Plan indicates
that there are a number of goals and policies that have not yet been incorporated in the Whatcom
County Comprehensive Plan. During the next update cycle of the County's Comprehensive Plan,
appropriate steps should be taken to create a stronger basis for the County's CTR program.
Additionally, both Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham are working on a number of capital
projects to make improvements to transit facilities, bike and pedestrian facilities, and roadway
improvements that will improve transit service and the level of service of traffic in certain areas.
Some of the projects that will directly affect CTR programs are listed in the following table, but
Whatcom County 9 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
there are also many roadway improvement projects that will improve the level of service for traffic
in these areas.
,-
Protect Naive
_
'Road
Peddt#Ian
Lanes.....
Trail
-
Transit='
Grandview RoadNVest Pole Road Connector
v
Whatcom Connector (Yew Street Rd. to Lake Louise
Rd )
v
Lincoln Road extension (Hariiorview Road to Blaine
Road)v
Lincoln Road /Birch Point connector
v
West Illinois/Timson Way (West Illinois to Marine Dr.)r
Lummi Island Ferry Improvements
r
James Street
r
v
v
v
Carolina Street
v
Birchwood
Nevada Street
v
Sunset Drive
v
v
v
San Juan Blvd. - New Road
v
Northwest Road
v
Downtown Bellingham
v
v
Main Street
v
v
Marine Drive
v
J
Yew Street
v
J
Birch Bay Drive
v
Coast Millenium Trail
v
Bellingham Station Remodel
v
Cordata Transfer Center
v
Lincoln Creek Transfer Center
v
Bay to Baker Trail
v
Hertz North Lake Whatcom Trail Extension
v
Whatcom County 10 June 2407
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Supporting.Trarisit Plan Policies and Programs
In September 2004, Whatcom Transit Authority adopted the WTA Strategic Plan, Six Year
Strategic Service Plan for 2005 -2011. The plan prioritizes future investments and service
improvements. Whatcom Transit Authority will provide a number of services to CTR- affected work
sites which will help them achieve their 2411 goals.
The proposed improvements establish a hierarchy of services in Bellingham, in which frequent
service is deployed only on corridors where it is justified by ridership. These corridors support
frequent service and are the focal point for future investment in transit infrastructure and for future
land use and street design changes employed to encourage transit use. Year round 15 minute
service is proposed for the following corridors in the short term.
• Western Washington University/ Downtown to Sehome Village - This segment
around the campus has 15 minute, or better, service all day, all year.
• Alabama Street I Downtown to Woburn Street - Like the existing route, this corridor
uses Cornwall between downtown and Alabama St.
• Northwest I Downtown to Bellis Fair - A very busy corridor with strong orientation to
Bellis Fair. This route also serves Whatcom Community College, offering a direct link
between the college and both downtown and Bellis Fair.
The WTA provides a number of other CTR supporting programs such as the WTA Rideshare
Program, vanpool services, and guaranteed ride home. WTA also provides employer outreach,
working with area employers that fall under the State of Washington Commute Trip Reduction Act;
and the agency works to promote ridesharing through Washington's Rideshareonline.com
program. The WTA provides van leases, subsidized vanpooling and community van services. The
following table provides a summary of the proposed rideshare improvements.
Program
�Curreni Senrrce
kReoommided Program Revisions to IVtee�;Long - y
�L'?GDaIS;�
Vanpool
Commuter Service
+ Lower fares 20% based on 5 day /week fare structure
(especially long distance
+ Vans shared by businesses and other entities to provide
commuters)
most efficient use of vans.
Commuter Connection
Rural county commuter
+ Replace with vanpool in 2005
service where there is no
fixed route service
Community Use
NA
+ Explore allowing agencies/non-profits to lease vans
+ Some standards waived, depending on Safety Net
arrangements
Mobility Manager
NA
+ Assess county transportation needs
• Act as coordinator to provide services in most efficient
and effective manner.
+ Incorporate VffNs strategy to become a mobility
manager
Riseshareonline.com
Ridematching for commuters
+ Facilitate applications
+ Market program when extended to WTA
Whatcom County 11 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
II. and III. BASELINE AND GOALS FOR 2011
The 2006 CTR Efficiency Act requires that all CTR affected jurisdictions reduce their drive alone
trips by 10 percent and their vehicle miles traveled by 13 percent by 2011.
Source: Washington Department of Transportation, 2005 survey data
Whatcom County 12 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
IV. S'T'RATEGIES FOR ACHIEVING GOALS AND TARGETS
Rotenflai .Actiortis.`forfhe:Counfy -to Ef'immate-.Barriers
The following potential actions have been identified as strategies that will help the County achieve
its 2011 goal. The County will seek to implement these strategies in coordination with Whatcom
Transit Authority and other Whatcom County jurisdictions.
In the past, the County has contracted with Whatcom Council of Governments to coordinate and
manage the affected CTR employers (other than Whatcom County itself) and their reporting
requirements. Potential actions listed below will be addressed by the County through Whatcom
Council of Governments, under the terms of its inter -local agreement contract with the Whatcom
Council of Governments, or by the County directly should it choose to coordinate with its local
affected employers.
Parking
To increase the percentage of commuters using transit, vanpool, carpool and non -
motorized forms of transportation, the County and COG will work with CTR
employers to implement a parking management program, such as parking cash -
out (where employees receive cash, which can be used for vanpool or transit
expenses, for not using their parking spaces) and employee paid parking. The
County may also review the development code for opportunities to revise parking
requirements to encourage drive alone vehicle travel. The County will then
implement its development regulations and policies relating to parking standards
and management.
Transit
The County will continue to work with Whatcom Transit Authority to provide a full
range of public transportation services, including local and express fixed route bus
services, deviated fixed route service, rideshare matching, ADA paratransit and
vanpool services to CTR - affected and other employer work sites. Whatcom
Transit Authority identified its priorities for services and future investments. These
include:
• Improve service in urbanized areas such as Bellingham
• Improve regional service with other transit agencies
• Encourage use of rideshare programs such as vanpool and carpool
Whatcom Transit Authority will continue to work with the County to implement the
requirements of the CTR Efficiency Act and help employers achieve their 2011
goals.
Whalcom County 13 ,tune 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Work with Developers to Implement TDM Elements in New Development
To increase opportunities for ridesharing and creating partnerships between
employers, the County, in coordination with Whatcom Transit Authority, will assist
affected employers in identifying local networking opportunities. Local networking
with other CTR- affected employers and businesses will offer opportunities to
discuss CTR and transportation issues, conduct joint commute option promotions,
and offer coordinated programs that can benefit their employees.
Land Use
The County will continue to implement its current land use policies that encourage
the development of mixed use centers. Employers will be encouraged to locate in
the centers where higher levels of services, such as transit, non - motorized and
TDM programs are offered. Concentrated densities will be encouraged, which will
help increase transit, vanpooling and ridesharing activities.
Employer Assistance
To help CTR - affected and other business work sites achieve their goals, the
County and Whatcom Transit Authority will continue to provide assistance to
employers in implementing their local CTR programs. Whatcom Transit Authority
will help promote CTR programs at work sites through a variety of services and
public information materials.
Mana, ement Support and ETC Training
The County,. in coordination with Whatcom Transit Authority, will work with the
Chambers of Commerce and other business organizations to increase support for
CTR programs. The County, Whatcom Council of Governments, and Whatcom
Transit Authority will ensure that Employee Transportation Coordinators receive
adequate training to implement their programs.
Whatcom County 14 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Recommended Strate ies:fa:Achie. ...
g �e - -
Based on the potential actions that were identified, the following strategies are planned to help the
CTR- affected work sites make progress towards their 2011 goals. These strategies will be
performed in coordination with Whatcom Transit Authority, Whatcom Council of Government,
Whatcom County, and other Whatcom County cities.
Whalcom County 15 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
The County will work with the COG to improve the
system by which affected employers are identified,
Employer Notification, Assistance,
educated about the CTR law and its requirements,
and Enforcement
and provided assistance in establishing their
programs. The County will also work to establish
communication to remain informed about program
changes of affected employers.
The County will work with the COG and Employee
Transportation Coordinators (ETCs) to implement
successful CTR programs. ETCs will be
responsible for attending training and networking
opportunities, conducting promotions, distributing
Expectations of Employers
information, notifying the jurisdiction about
proposed program changes, and meeting program
reporting and surveying requirements. The
County will work with employers to ensure that
ETCs receive adequate support to be successful
in meeting their goals and target reductions.
The County will review existing Comprehensive
Plan policies and zoning code requirements
pertaining to parking requirements, Specifically,
Review Parking Policies and
the review will see opportunities to discourage
Regulations
drive alone vehicle use and identify how transit
use can be increased. The County will consider
opportunities to implement parking management
zones.
Whalcom County 15 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Whatcom County 16 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
a
_S Hate
n -
Amend Comprehensive Plan to
The County will review its Comprehensive Plan
include language about the CTR
and add new policies to correspond with its CTR
Efficiency Act
plan as necessary.
The County will work with developers to implement
TDM elements in new development, including
commuter information centers, preferential parking
Transportation Management Plans
for carpools and vanpools, bike lockers, showers,
bike racks, and bus stops. The County will require
major developers to work with Whatcom Transit
Authority early in the site development process to
encourage transit oriented design.
Whatcom Transit Authority will continue to provide
transit services to CTR work sites, where service
Transit Services
is currently available. Whatcom Transit Authority
will make service enhancements based on its
updated Six -Year Strategic Services Plan and
subsequent updates or amendments.
The County will work with the COG and Whatcom
Transit Authority to expand pedestrian and bicycle
Park and Ride Lots
amenities at park and ride locations to encourage
multi -modal travel: This may include adding
covered and secure bike racks or lockers.
Whatcom Transit Authority will evaluate the need
to expand the vanpool program. At this time, it
has a capital program to replace vans as
Vanpool Services
necessary, but not to add to the program. WTA is
working on programs to encourage vanpool use
through lowering of fares, cooperating with
neighboring transit agencies, and working with
local businesses and organizing on shading vans.
The County and Whatcom Transit Authority will
Carpool Services
continue to encourage carpooling and vanpooling
through the use of www.rideshareonline.com.
The County will work with major employers to
encourage the provision of amenities such as bike
Bicycling and Walking Amenities
lockers, access to shower facilities and changing
facilities to increase usage of non - motorized
transportation.
Whatcom County 16 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Whatcom County 17 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
S rr_ - :
Deans R18 .. N.
The County will work to improve its system of
Enhance Bicycle and Pedestrian
bicycle and pedestrian facilities. This may include
Facilities
adding new bike lanes, trails and signage to
improve the pedestrian and bicycling environment.
The County will work with the COG to encourage
the development of a telework education program
that would increase employer knowledge on how
Telework Program
to implement telework at their work site, if
applicable. The program should include education
on human resource policies and information
technology assistance to allow employees to work
from home.
The County will work with the COG and employers
Alternative and Flexible Schedules
to encourage them to offer alternative and flexible
work schedules for their employees, including
compressed work weeks.
Whatcom Transit Authority will provide a limited
Emergency Ride Home
number of rides to non - drive -alone participants
from their work site to their home in the case of an
emergency.
The County will work with the COG to provide
Employer Assistance
assistance to affected employers to help them
meet the requirements of the CTR Efficiency ACT
and implement their rograms.
The County and the COG will work with CTR
Management Support
worksite managers and owners to educate them
about the benefits of CTR to their organizations.
The County, in coordination with the COG, will
encourage employers to offer subsidy programs to
persuade employees to shift to non - drive -alone
Subsidies
commute modes. Examples include six months of
free vanpool participation, transit pass subsidies,
and a one -time payment or gift card for starting a
carpool.
The County and the COG will encourage
employers to charge employees for parking or
Parking Management
allow their employees to receive cash for their
parking spot if they choose to not use their parking
space, which could be used toward transit costs or
van pool costs.
Whatcom County 17 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Whalcom County 18 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
The County will work with the COG and Whatcom
Transit Authority to expand education efforts to
Marketing and Education
CTR employees about alternative commuting
including workshops, information brochures and
_posters, and website information, and advertising.
The County will work with the COG and Whatcom
Transit Authority and major employers to conduct
Promotional Events
onsite promotions, transportation fairs, and
activities to increase awareness and use of
commute alternatives.
The County and the COG will work with the major
Networking Opportunities
employers to create networking opportunities to
discuss CTR issues, coordinate ridesharing
programs, and conduct 'oint promotional efforts.
The County and the COG will work to develop
Partner with Complementary
partnerships with complementary organizations to
Agencies to Promote CTR
promote CTR as a method for maintaining healthy
living and business vitality. Joint promotional
efforts, grants, and programs will be explored.
Whalcom County 18 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
V. REQUIREMENTS FOR MAJOR EMPLOYERS
Employers that are affected by the CTR Law will be required to implement the following program
elements:
The Employee Transportation Coordinator is the point of contact
Designate Employee
between the employer and its workforce whose function is to
Transportation
implement, promote and administer the organization's CTR program.
Coordinator
He /she is also the point of contact between the employer and the local
jurisdiction obligated to track the employer's progress in meeting CTR
requirements
Affected employers will be responsible for obtaining adequate training
for the ETC, allowing them to attend networking meetings, providing
them with the necessary time and support to administer the program,
and providing adequate resources to carry out elements of the
employer's CTR program and achieve the targeted reduction in SOV
trips and average vehicle miles traveled.
In order for this program and the efforts of the ETC to be effective and
for the company to achieve its targeted reductions in single occupancy
vehicle travel by employees, it is essential that the CTR program be
endorsed and supported at the highest management level of the
employer organization. Employers should select an employee to serve
as ETC who has the necessary skill set and job placement to effect
ositive results.
Information about commute alternatives will be distributed at least
Regular Distribution of
monthly to employees. Information packets will be distributed to new
Information to
employees at CTR- affected work sites. Examples of information that
Employees
will be distributed will include:
• Description of the employer's commute options program
• Emergency Ride Home
• Vanpool information
• Transit system maps and schedules
• Ridematching information
• Campaign promotional materials
• Other timely promotional materials
The employer is required to complete a set of quarterly and annual
CTR Reporting
reporting requirements to determine if progress is being made towards
achieving the goals and targets.
Whatcom County 19 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Biennially, the employer is required to collect commuter information
CTR Survey using a state approved method, and to achieve a response rate of at
least 70 percent of the employees.
The employer is required to implement a set of measures that are
Implementation of a Set designed to increase the percentage of employees using some or all of
of Measures the following modes:
• Transit
• Vanpool
• Carpool
• Bicycle or walking
• Emergency ride home
• Telework, Compressed Work Week, or Flexible Work
Schedule
• Other non - single occupant vehicle modes
Measures to reduce drive alone trips and vehicle miles traveled may
include, but are not limited to:
• Provision of preferential parking or reduced parking charges
for high occupancy vehicles
• Instituting or increasing parking charges for single - occupant
vehicles
• Provision of commuter ride matching services
• Provision of subsidies for transit fares
• Provisions of vans for vanpools
• Provisions of subsidies for carpooling or vanpooling
• Provision of car sharing services
• Permitting the use of the employer's vehicles for carpooling or
vanpooling
• Provision to subsidies for bicyclists and walkers
• Permitting flexible work schedules that facilitate the use of
commute alternatives to driving alone
• Establishment of a compressed work week schedule program
(such as 4140 or 9180) that eliminates a trip into the worksite
• Cooperation with transportation providers to provide additional
regular or express service to the worksite
• Construction of special loading and unloading facilities for
transit, carpool, and vanpool users
• Provision of bicycle parking facilities, lockers, changing areas,
and showers
• Provision of a program for parking incentives such as a rebate
for employees who do not use the parking facility
• Establishment of a program to permit emplovees to work part
Whatcom County 20 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
or full time at dome or at an alternative worksite closer to their
homes (telework)
Implementation of other measures designed to facilitate the
use of high - occupancy vehicles such as on -site day care
facilities, earned paid time off, incentives, and emergency taxi
services
Employers or owners of worksites may form or utilize an existing
transportation management association or other transportation - related
associations authorized by RCW 35.87A.010 to assist members in
develovinq and implementinq commute trip reduction programs
Whatcom County 21 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
VI. FINANCIAL PLAN
Whatcom County has entered into an inter -local agreement with Whatcom Council of Governments
to implement the CTR program. The following financial plan has been jointly prepared by
Whatcom County, Whatcom Council of Governments, and City of Bellingham.
Funding Sources
The CTR programs administered in Whatcom County are funded by a number of sources, as
described in the following table.
Source of Funding
Responsible/
..
Recipient
Agency
��• ��•
State Base Funding (CTR
WSDOTICOG
$80,000 $80,000
$80,000
$80,000
Funds)
Contributions from COG &
Cities and County
$5,000
$4,500
$4,500
$4,500
Local Jurisdictions as in -kind
services (CTR Plan
development,
Comprehensive Plan
updates related to CTR, and
CTR ordinance updates,
COG CTR Position
Contributions from COG and
City and County
$120,000
$0
$0
$0
Local Jurisdictions (annual
funding for Smart Trips,
CTR program management,
promotions)
Contributions to Smart Trips
Grants (state)
$150,000
$75,000
$0
$0
from Grants
Contributions to Smart Trips
Employers and
$0
$0
$0
$0
from Private Entities
Sponsors
Promotions and Marketing
WTA
$20,000
$5,000
$5,000
$5,000
Emergency Ride Home
WTA
$3,000
$3,000
$3,000
$3,000
Program
Local Funds from WTA
WTA
$304,144
$304,144
$304,144
$304,144
(transit fixed -route service)
Local Funds from WTA
WTA
$2,972
$2,972
$2,972
$2,972
(vanpools)
TOTAL
$686,116
$474,616
$399,616
$399,616
Whatcom County 22 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Program Expen5e5 -
The cost of implementing this program is shared primarily by the County, the COG, the transit
agency, and the City of Bellingham. The following is a summary of the types of expenses incurred
throughout Whatcom County.
Prepare local CTR plan,
Comprehensive Plan, and CTR
ordinance
Responsible
Annual
Cost rr:
Cities (All CTR- $6,000
Affected Jurisdictions
in Whatcom County
are required to
prepare a Ian
•.
Annual Annual
Cost 2009 Cost 2010
$4,500 $4,500
Estimated
Annual
r
$4,500
Employer Notification of Affected
Status
Whatcom COG
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
Administer CTR program (contract
management, annual reporting,
program review, surveys,
coordination meetings)
Whatcom COG
$7,300
$7,300
$7,300
$7,300
Smart Trips Program
Whatcom COG and
WTA, Private Donors
Database & Financial incentives
$91,200
$91,200
$91,200
$91,200
Bicycle amenities
$3,000
$3,000
$3,000
$3,000
Bicycle education and promotion
$77,000
$77,000
$77,000
$77,000
Encourage parking management
$9,000
$9,000
$9,000
$9,000
Promote Compressed Work Week
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
Promote Telework
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
Promotions and Marketing
$86,000
$86,000
$86,000
$86,000
School Smart Trips
$60,000
$60,000
$60,000
$60,000
Develop management support
$12,000
$12,000
$12,000
$12,000
Promotions and Marketing
WTA
$20,000
$5,000
$5,000
$5,000
Emergency Ride Home Program
WTA
$3,000
$3,000
$3,000
$3,000
Local Funds from WTA (transit
fixed -route service)
WTA
$304,144
$304,144
$304,144
$304,144
Local Funds from WTA (vanpools)
WTA
$2,972
$2,972
$2,972
$2,972
TOTAL
$686,116
$669,616
$669,616
$669,616
Whatcom County 23 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Einandal Gaps
The following table summarizes program areas that are not currently funded. However, some
potential funding sources have been identified for the applicable organization to target.
Service or Strategy
Target Market
Total
Financial
Total Total Total
Financial Financial Financial
..
Gap Gap Gap
Prepare local CTR plan,
CTR - Affected
$0
$0 $0 $0
Comprehensive Plan, and
Jurisdictions in
CTR ordinance
Whatcom County
Employer Notification of
CTR Affected
$0
$0
$0
$0
Affected Status
Employers
Administer CTR program
CTR Affected
$0
$0
$0
$0
(contract management,
Employers
annual reporting, program
review, surveys,
coordination meetings,
Smart Trips, employer
assistance
Smart Trips Program
Whole
$8,800
- $186,200
- $261,200
- $261,200
Community
Promotions and Marketing
WTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
for WTA
Emergency Ride Home
WTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
Program
Provision of WTA's fixed
WTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
route service
Provision of WTA's vanpool
WTA
$0
$0
$0
$0
services
TOTAL
$8,800
- $186,200
- $261,200
- $261,200
The primary funding gap is for the Smart Trips program, which will be seeking additional funds to
carry the program beyond 2009. The COG will seek funding from the current sources of funding.
In addition, the following funding sources have been identified that potentially could be used to fund
CTR programs;
• Surface Transportation Program Grants
• Employer Trip Reduction Performance Grants
• Washington State Construction Mitigation Funding
• Transit Agency Funds
• Local Jurisdiction Funds
• Major Employers
Whatcom County 24 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
Summary
The following table shows the amount of money necessary to implement all of the proposed
strategies listed in the previous tables. There are insufficient funds at this time; however, some
potential funding sources were identified in the previous table for the jurisdiction or transit agency
to target.
Whatcom County 25 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
VII. IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE
The County plans to work in partnership with Whatcom Transit Authority and its affected work sites
to implement the CTR program.
Whatcom County and COG
The County has an inter -local agreement with the COG to
implement the Commute Trip Reduction Plan. However, the
County is responsible for ensuring that CTR plan is consistent with
the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan. As part of its CTR
plan, consistent with the requirements of RCW 70.94.521 -555 and
in coordination with other Whatcom County jurisdictions with
affected employers, the County will set the goals and targets for
the affected employers. For CTR program administration, the
County, in coordination with the COG, is responsible for ensuring
that affected employers are in compliance with the CTR law.
Whatcom Council of
In partnership with the County, COG will be responsible for
Governments (COG)
employer outreach, conducting marketing and promotional
activities, and providing services to CTR - affected work sites.
Whatcom Transit Authority
The WTA is responsible for providing fixed route service, vanpools,
regional service, paratransit service, rideshare support, and
guaranteed ride home services to the county.
Major Employers
Employers that are affected under the CTR law are responsible for
notifying the County when they are affected. Employers are
resportsible for implementing their CTR program requirements,
including information distribution, designating an ETC, submitting
program reports, delegating adequate time for ETCs to perform
duties and implementing program elements.
In order to ensure that major employers comply with the CTR Act,
the County may periodically seek information to determine if the
employer has achieved the threshold for compliance with the Act
(e.g., through business license information and communication
with the business), or to determine if a business under the
threshold for mandatory compliance wishes to institute a voluntary
CTR program.
Whatcom County 26 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
CTRProgram Actiuities
Policies and Regulations:.
_.-_
... , .. .
Update Comprehensive Plan
Whatcom Gounty
2008 or thereafter
or
CTR Program Enforcement
Whatcom County and COG
2008-2011
Implement Vision of Whatcom
Whatcom County
2008-2011
Count
Review Parking Policies
Whatcom Count
2008-2011
Services and - Facilities'
Transit Services
Whatcom Transit Authority
2008-2011
Van pool Services
Whatcom Transit Authority
2008 - 2011
Ridematching services
Whatcom Transit Authority
2008-2011
and COG
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Whatcom County
2008-2011
Facilities
Markefing:and. 'arcentives ::
Management Support
COG and
2008-2011
Whatcom County
Parking Management
COG and
2008-2011
Whatcom County
Marketing and Education
COG, Whatcom County
2008-2011
and WTA
Promotional Events
COG, Whatcom County
2008-2011
and WTA
Build partnerships with other
COG, Whatcom County
2008-2011
agencies with complementary
and WTA
goals such as health agencies
and groups and business
associations
Whatcom County 27 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
VIII. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT OUTREACH & INTERJURISDICTIONAL
COORDINATION (DOCUMENTATION OF CONSULTATION)
The County's CTR Plan was developed in consultation with the following organizations:
• Whatcom Council of Governments
• Whatcom County
• City of Bellingham
• Whatcom Transit Authority
The dates of the consultations with these jurisdictions occurred on:
• June 21, 2007
• June 28, 2007
During these consultations, the following issues were discussed:
• Existing Conditions
• Goals for 2011
• Proposed Strategies
• Financing Plan
• Implementation Plan
• Employer Outreach
On XXXX, 2007, a CTR Employer Workshop was held for all affected employers at XXXX in XXXX.
During this workshop, employer requirements to comply with the CTR law and CTR strategies were
discussed.
Drafts of this Whatcom County CTR Plan were forwarded to affected employer ETCs for their
review comments. Comments received from XXXX, representing XX of the two employment sites
in the Whatcom County, were incorporated into the plan.
Whatcom County 28 June 2007
Draft Commute Trip Reduction Plan
APPENDICES
Appendix A
WHATCOM COUNTY
VICINITY CTR WORKSITE PLANS
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WHATCOM COUNTY
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
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WHATCOM COUNTY
ZONING MAP
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Appendix D
WHATCOM COUNTY
TRANSIT SERVICES AND FACILITIES
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Appendix E
WHATCOM COUNTY
NON - MOTORIZED FACILITIES
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June 14, 2007 Figure E.2b
Appendix F
COMMU'T'E `TRIP REDUCTION
WORKSHOP SUMMARY
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Appendix G
COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION
SUMMARY OF POLICIES THAT SUPPORT CTR
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES ANALYSIS
This section provides a list of CTR supportive comprehensive plan goals and policies that
Whatcom County either has or doesn't have. The right hand column identifies the policies that the
jurisdiction has in place relating to the recommended goals and policies in the left hand column. If
the jurisdiction doesn't have some of the recommended goals and policies listed below, then they
may want to consider adding some of these recommended goals and policies to their
comprehensive plan during the next update.
Commute'
.. Policies
Management Growth Policies
Land .Use Element
Inter-Agency ...
Work with transit providers to provide transit that is fast, frequent and
Recommended in
reliable between urban centers, urban villages, GTEC's and accessible to
CP text, but no
most of the city's residences and businesses.
specific policy.
Urban Growth Areas
Enter into agreements and establish procedures for setting priorities,
Recommended in
programming, maintaining and financing for countywide, regional and
CP text, but no
state transportation facilities and services consistent with the GMA
specific policy.
current federal transportation legislation
Land use and transportation goals and decisions should be integrated
Recommended in
with one another and coordinated with adjacent jurisdictions and with the
CP text, but no
Regional Transportation Plan to determine the types and levels of
specific policy.
transportation facilities to be provided within the unincorporated county.
The county /city should use future land use projections to identify and
Recommended in
provide for adequate safety, structural, rights -of -way and other possible
CP text, but no
improvements that support vehicle transportation, non - motorized and
specific policy.
transit needs of the region plus use alternative transit modes as areas
develop.
Integrate Commute Trip Reduction land use planning by requiring non-
None
motorized pedestrian connections between retail, living, and work places.
Non - motorized connects shall include, but not be limited to: transit
connections; bus stops; sidewalks; bike facilities; trails and encouraging
employers to participate in ride sharing programs.
When evaluating land use changes to the Comprehensive Plan,
None
proposals should include an analysis of how the development furthers the
goals of Commute Trip Reduction planning.
!:Grov�h,!Vlahageimient Planning Policies
in Current Plans
Pursue transportation demand management (TDM) strategies at the
Recommended in
local /regional level by coordinating with regional and state partners so
CP text, but no
customers see their travel choices and the various TDM promotions as a
specific policy.
coordinated, integrated system that makes a difference in the community.
Example:
Regulations to influence travel behavior
Marketing
Improvements in services and facilities
Require the integration of non - motorized and transit connections when
None, but covered
planning and developing urban centers or GTEC's.
in Transportation
Element 6M -6.
Establish urban centers and/or GTEC's where they can be served by
None, but covered
regional transit agencies, or work with the appropriate transit agency to
in Transportation
expand service to the urban center within a reasonable timeframe.
Element 6D -6.
Urban Design
Encourage new housing developments to be located in urban growth
done, but covered
areas and small towns to help provide a sense of community and safe,
in Transportation
non - motorized transportation to community facilities and public transit
Element 6D -6.
modes.
Discourage transportation improvements that would trigger development
None, but covered
that is premature or not consistent with applicable comprehensive plans,
in Transportation
policies, or zoning.
Element 6D -2.
Provide aesthetic and functional amenities along pedestrian facilities,
Recommended in
such as water fountains, benches, trash receptacles, public art, and open
CP text, but no
spaces (such as seating plazas).
specific policy.
Provide pedestrian, and bicycle connections in newly developing areas of
None, but covered
the city, promoting both internal access and linkages with the rest of the
in Transportation
city.
Element 6D -5.
Incorporate transit - supportive and pedestrian friendly design features in
Recommended in
new development through the development review process.
CP text, but no
Examples include:
specific policy.
Provide pedestrian pathways that minimize walking distances to activities
and to transit stops.
Provide weather protection such as covered walkways or arcades
connecting building developments, and covered waiting areas for transit
and ridesharing.
Incorporate guidelines for addressing that sidewalks and walkways are
None
separated from the roadway by a landscaping strip or drainage swale.
m
Goals & Policies
Growth Management . Policies
in Current Plans
Adopt pedestrian friendly design guidelines, especially in high pedestrian
None, but covered
activity zones, such as wide sidewalks, landscape buffers or strips, street
in Design Element
trees, adequate lighting, traffic calming measures (such as traffic circles,
1oA.
curb bulbs, raised medians, speed tables and chicanes), special
pavements, and bollards.
Adopt development design standards that promote a pedestrian friendly
Recommended in
environment. Such standards may include reduced building setbacks,
CP text, but no
requirements for display windows, building entrances oriented toward the
specific policy.
street, and locating parking lots to the rear or side of buildings.
Secure bike lanes and trail improvements or easements through the
None, but covered
development review process to develop portions of the bicycle and
in Transportation
pedestrian system.
Element 6D -5.
Require new developments to incorporate non - motorized features or
Recommended in
programs designed to promote use of alternatives to single- occupant
CP text, but no
vehicles, such as;
specific policy.
• Preferential parking for car pools and van pools
• Special loading and unloading facilities
• Transit facilities, including comfortable bus stops, and waiting areas,
adequate turning room, and where appropriate, signal preemption and
queue -jump lanes
• Bicycle parking and related facilities
Inter-Agency ...
Pursue strategies that make transit safe, secure, comfortable, and
None, but covered
affordable.
in Transportation
Element 6A -1.
Integrate multiple access modes, including buses, carpools, and
None, but covered
vanpools, bicycles, and pedestrians.
in Transportation
Element 6K-4.
Integrate transit - oriented development opportunities with the private and
None
public sectors.
. .
Discourage the development of major, stand -alone park and ride facilities
None
with city limits. Situations where additions to park and ride capacity could
be considered include:
At the terminus for a major, regional transit system.
When opportunities exist for "shared parking "(e.g., where transit
commuter parking can be leased from another development. Such as a
shopping center, movie theatre, church, etc.)
Areas where alternatives to automobile uses are particularly inadequate
(e.g., lack of direct transit system, or pedestrian and bicycle access) or
cannot be provided in a cost - effective manner.
:Example Commute Trip Reduction &
Goals & Policies
Management . Policies
Allow a reduction in the number of required parking spaces if a
None
development provides ride -share programs, carpool parking spaces, bike
racks, lockers or other approved non - motorized parking options.
Encourage transit oriented development and pedestrian friendly land use
None, but covered
characteristics through zoning and land use policies that encourage
in Transportation
mixtures of land uses, increased densities in targeted areas with design
Element 6N -7.
standards.
Adopt a parking credit program that allows developers to reduce the
None
number of required parking spaces if they provide an alternative
transportation program to single occupant vehicles.
Housing Element
Work with other jurisdictions to achieve a jobs /housing balance that
Recommended in
makes it possible for people to live closer to where they work.
CP text, but no
specific policy.
Promote quality, community - friendly residential development, through
done
features such as enhanced open space and pedestrian connectivity.
Capital Facilities :Element
Explore the possibility of encouraging cooperative funding for bicycle
None, but covered
trails.
in Transportation
Element 613-10.
Implement a methodology for public- private partnerships when it would
alone, but covered
result in a more efficient use of public resources.
in Transportation
Element 613-9.
Aggressively seek funding opportunities for safety, mobility, intermodal,
None, but covered
bicycle, pedestrian, neighborhood, and transportation demand
in Transportation
management improvements
Element 613-1.
Provide adequate and predictable funding to construct and maintain
None, but covered
pedestrian and bicycle capital projects.
in Transportation
Element 613-4.
Effectively link pedestrian project funding and approval decisions to
None
priorities identified in the CTR plan, as well as the Non - Motorized element
of the jurisdiction's Comprehensive Plan.
Support a greater investment in pedestrian enhancements, and ensure
None
that all new transportation projects include funding for pedestrian
improvements.
Continue programs to construct, .maintain, and repair sidewalks.
Recommended in
CP text, but no
specific policy.
Assign high priority to pedestrian and bicycle projects that provide access
None
to major employment areas and activity centers, provide linkages to
transit, complete planned bicycle facilities and provide system
connectivity.
::Example Commute Trip Reduction& Goals& Policies
Growth .r- r Policies. '
Effectively link TDM program funding and approval decisions to priorities None
identified in the CTR plan, as well as the transportation element of the
jurisdiction's Comprehensive Plan.
Utilities Element
Secure sidewalk and trail easements over existing utility lines wherever
None
feasible.
- Transportation Element`
Carpools, Vanpools, & Ride Share
Ensure that the city as an employer sets a positive example by done
maintaining a strong transportation demand management program for its
employees.
Pedestrian System Connectivity
The county should ensure that continuous and/or direct bicycle lanes are 6M -6
provided between all jurisdictions and major activity centers.
Consider pedestrians along with other travel modes in all aspects of
6D -5
developing the transportation system. Provide safe and convenient
pedestrian access in all new and improved transportation projects, unless
exceptional circumstances exist.
Remove barriers and deterrents along the existing pedestrian system to
None
create better access between employment facilities, residential and other
uses.
Coordinate the local jurisdiction's existing and planned pedestrian system
None
with adjacent jurisdictions to provide a continuous, coordinated system,
especially when major employment and activity centers are nearby.
Secure sidewalks and trail improvements or easements through the
6D -5
development review process to develop portions of the pedestrian
system.
Pedestrian Safety and Security
Adopt and use national (American Association of State Highway and
None
Transportation Officials, AASHTO) design standards for pedestrian
facilities.
Address the special needs of citizens with various degrees of mobility in
6C -8
planning, designing, implementing and maintaining pedestrian facilities.
Provide consistently designed pedestrian activated signal crossings, and
None
consider technologies that enhance pedestrian safety at crossings, such
as longer crossing times and audible crossings.
Example-Commute Trip Reduction
Goals & Policies
Management . Policies
Consider access management to reduce the number of conflict points
6H -1
(driveways) between pedestrians and vehicles, thereby improving
pedestrian safety.
Ensure that pedestrian facilities are designed and monitored to improve
None
security and safety, through lighting, openness, vegetation upkeep and
security features such as panic buttons at key locations.
Design midblock crossings with safety as a high priority, and consider
None
improvements such as pedestrian crossing signals, flared curbs
(bulbouts), pedestrian refuge islands, medians, and adequate sight
distance around parked vehicles.
Convenience Pedestrian and Bicycle
Conduct periodic analyses of bicycle and pedestrian environments in and
Recommended in
around urban centers and regional transit stations to identify deficiencies
CP text, but no
and to plan access improvements.
specific policy.
Include bicycle facilities in the six -year capital improvement program (for
Recommended in
trails that will be utilized by bikes) or the six -year transportation program
CP text, but no
(for widening shoulder projects that will accommodate bikes).
specific policy.
Implement way - finding (signage) along sidewalks and trails that direct
None
pedestrians to key locations or destinations, such as major activity
centers, business districts, institutions, major medical facilities, parks or
recreational facilities.
Provide internal pedestrian circulation systems within and between
6M -5
existing, new or redeveloping commercial, multi - family or single family
developments, and other appropriate activity centers. Provide convenient
connections to frontage pedestrian systems and transit facilities.
Encourage transit use by improving pedestrian and bicycle linkages to the
6M =6
existing and future transit and school bus system, and by improving the
security of and utility of park- and -ride lots and bus stops.
Provide bicycle connections and secure bicycle parking and storage
6K -3, 6M -7
convenient to major transit facilities; increase the number of secure
parking areas for bicycles.
Conduct bicycle transportation studies to improve safety and overall
None
quality of bicycling.
Cooperate with the public and private schools, bicycle clubs and other
None
interests groups to provide education and strategies to promote safe
riding skills and the transportation and recreation opportunities of
bicycling.
Example Commute f Reduction •
Goals Policies
Growth 1 Planning Policies
in Current Plans
Improve mobility and safe access for walking and bicycling, and create
6L
incentives to promote non - motorized travel to employment centers,
commercial districts, transit stations, schools and major institutions, and
recreational destinations.
Update and review the Pedestrian and Bicycle transportation Plan every
None
five years. The updates should consider the existing and future role of
the single - occupant vehicle in relation to non - motorized and public
transportation modes, as well as newly annexed areas, areas
experiencing unforeseen development and/or redevelopment, and other
emerging issues.
Develop an effective "share the road /share the trail" concept for
None
pedestrian and bicycle education programs for the motorized and non -
motorized public.
Accessibility
Sidewalks or pedestrian facilities should be located along all both sides of
None
all arterials, collectors, and at least one side of most local streets.
Pedestrian facilities should be wide.enough to allow the disabled, such as
None
wheelchair users, to access them, usually a minimum of 5' to 6'. A wider
facility should be provided along principal arterials (generally a minimum
of 8'), or in business districts that attract more pedestrians.
Direct pedestrian linkages should be considered whenever possible, to
None
connect between internal land uses and arterials. This reduces walking
distances to transit stops and commercial uses.
Public Transportation
Encourage interconnections and time coordination of public transportation
6N -1
modes (bus, coach and rail) to increase level of service and ridership.
Work with transit providers to provide transit service that is fast, frequent,
6C -3
and reliable between urban centers and urban villages and that is
accessible to most of the city's residences and businesses. Pursue
strategies that make transit safe, secure, comfortable, and affordable.
Support development of an integrated, regional high capacity transit
6N-4
system that links urban centers within the city and the region.
Develop partnerships with transit providers to implement projects
None
providing neighborhood -to- transit links that improve pedestrian and
bicycle access to transit services and facilities.
Example Commute Trip Reduction &
Goals & Policies
1:.Growth Management Planning Policies
Coordinate with regional, state, and federal agencies, local governments,
6C
and transit providers when planning and operating transportation facilities
and services in order to promote regional mobility for people and goods
and the urban center approach to growth management.
Design transit access into large developments, considering bus lanes,
None, but covered
stops, shelters, non - motorized lanes & facilities as part of the project
in Land Use
design.
Element 2TT -6.
Coordinate with transit providers and the private sector to develop and
None
implement compatible transportation demand management regulations
and strategies that are consistent with the Commute Trip Reduction Act.
Work with car share companies to provide car share opportunities at key
None
locations, such as major employers, business districts, and high density
residential areas.
Provide preferential lanes, such as High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes
None
on roads which will benefit commuters the most, such as those with major
transit routes, and those experiencing the greatest congestion.
Ferries
For water -borne travel across Puget Sound, encourage the expansion of
None
the passenger -only ferry service and land -side facilities and terminals that
encourage walk -on (by -foot, bicycle, transit) trips rather than ferry travel
with automobiles.
Coordinate ferry arrivals and departures with mass transit systems to
None
ensure an efficient flow of people and traffic.
Education ..-
Educate the general public and public officials about the economic,
6L -3
transportation system performance, environmental, health and social
benefits of walking and biking and develop improved programs to
encourage increased levels of walking and biking.
Educate drivers and pedestrians about pedestrian safety issues, and
6M -2
enforce pedestrian related laws.
Consider the formation of a pedestrian advisory committee to provide
None
input to the jurisdiction (staff and elected officials) on pedestrian related
issues and needs, as well as review of major transportation projects to
erasure that pedestrian needs are adequately addressed or considered.
Example Commute Trip Reduction
.. Policies
Management Growth Policies
Develop a pedestrian walking /biking map that is focused on major activity
None
centers, such as business districts or major employment areas. The map
should identify sidewalks, trails, bike routes, transit corridors and bus
stops /transit centers, and key activity centers such as institutional uses
and government centers, major employers, commercial or retail areas,
parks, and other points of interest.
Monitoring
Ensure that the local government monitors the results of its TDM
None
programs and policies, and continually evaluate changes needed to
improve mode split goals.
Continually evaluate large employer CTR program effectiveness and
None
reduce the employer threshold if needed to achieve the jurisdiction's
mode split goals.
Economic:Development Element
Funding Mechanisms
Promote public awareness of the impact travel choices have on None
household finances, personal quality of life, society, and the environment,
and increase awareness of the range of travel choices available.
Employment
Require large employers to implement a commute trip reduction program 6L -1
for employees, as mandated by the Commute Trip Reduction Act.
The county /city should encourage employers in urbanized areas to offer
Recommended in
staggered work hours or flextime and other Transportation demand
CP text, but no
Management programs such as parking management, ride match
specific policy.
services and preferential parking of vanpools, carpools, covered bike
racks, lockers and showers at work sites.
Encourage employers to provide information and marketing on commute
None
alternatives, such as transit schedules, rideshare information, and
guaranteed ride home programs.
Encourage employers to develop telecommuting options, which allow
None
employees to work one or more days at home or at a "satellite work
center' closer to their homes.
Encourage employers to allow flexible work schedules or compressed
None
work weeks to help reduce the number of vehicles using local and
regional roadways.
Encourage major employers to provide daycare opportunities onsite or
None
nearby.
Example Commute 1 Reduction
Goals Policies
Growth • ' Planning Policies
Encourage employers to provide subsidies to employees who commute
None
using other modes, such as free-or reduced prices for transit passes, or
discounted parking for rideshare vehicles.
Parks & Open Space:Element
Provide for adequate roadway, pedestrian, and bicycling connections in
None, but covered
newly developing areas of the city, promoting both internal access and
in Transportation
linkages with the rest of the city.
dement 6N -3.
Identify areas to be designated as pedestrian promenades, with
None
pedestrian friendly environments.
Provide for uniform bicycle and pedestrian markings and design
None
standards for travel along city bikeways and walkways.
Appendix H
CORRESPONDENCE FROM TRANSIT AGENCY
Appendix I
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Affected Employee: Under the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law, an affected employee is a
full -time employee who regularly begins work between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., at a single work site, on
two or more weekdays for at least 12 continuous months.
Affected Employer: An employer is "affected" under the CTR law if there are at least 100
"affected" employees at a single work site.
Alternative Work Schedules: AWS programs offer alternatives to the typical eight -hour work day.
Options include flex -time, a compressed work week, and staggered work hours.
Automobile Dependency: Transportation and land use patterns that result in high levels of
automobile use and limited transportation alternatives. In this case, "automobile" includes cars,
vans, light trucks, SUVs and motorcycles
Base Year: The CTR law requires affected employers to measure the results of their employee
trip program against base year values for VMT and drive alone vehicles. The goal year is 2011.
Bus Rapid Transit: Special lanes dedicated to transit buses, often incorporating other features to
insure high quality transit service.
Carpool: Two to six people age 16 and older, sharing the ride in an automobile to and from the
work place.
Commute: The trip made by an employee between their home and work locations, regardless of
the distance or mode used.
Compressed Work Week: A work week that is compressed from the typical five -day, 40 hour work
week into a shorter work week but maintaining the same number of hours.
Commute Trip Reduction Program: A CTR program is comprised of strategies used by an
employer to reduce employee use of single -occupant vehicles (SOVs) and the vehicle miles
traveled (VMT) per employee. The CTR program specifies the measures to be used that will
achieve the target goals.
Drive Atone Vehicles: A vehicle that is occupied by one person.
Employee Transportation Coordinator: The CTR law requires employers to appoint an
employee transportation coordinator, or ETC. The personal is personal change agent who
provides the "human touch" needed to remedy traffic congestion and air pollution problems. An
ETC is the organization's key contact person providing commuting information to employees and
liaison activities with transit agencies and local jurisdictions. The ETC creates marketing
strategies, administers employee ridesharing programs, and measures results.
Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH): GRH programs provide an emergency ride home for employees
who commute to work in a ridesharing mode and have an illness or emergency. Typically, an
employee can take a cab ride home and charge the ride to their employer's account or be
reimbursed for the expense.
High - Occupancy Vehicle (HOV): A passenger vehicle carrying more than a specified minimum
number of passengers. HOVs include carpools, vanpools, and buses. HOV requirements are often
indicated as 3+ (three or more passengers required) or 4+ (four or more passengers required).
HOV Lane: This is a traffic lane limited to carrying high occupancy vehicles (HOVs) and certain
other qualified vehicles.
HOT Lanes (High Occupancy Tall Lanes): HOV facilities that allow lower occupancy vehicles,
such as solo drivers, to use the facility if they pay a toll. This offers users three options: drive alone
on an unpriced but congested general purpose lane, drive alone and pay to use a less congested
lane, or rideshare (carpool, vanpool or ride transit) to use a less congested lane without any
additional fee.
Mobility: The movement of people and goods.
Mobility Management (Also called Transportation Demand Management): Various strategies that
change travel behavior (how, when and where people travel) in order to increase transport system
efficiency and achieve specific objectives such as reduced traffic congestion, road and parking cost
savings, increased safety, improved mobility for non - drivers, energy conservation and pollution
emission reductions.
Nonmotorized Transportation (also known as Active Transportation and Human Powered
Transportation): Includes walking, bicycling, small - wheeled transport (skates, skateboards, push
scooters and hand carts) and wheelchair travel.
Parking Management: Strategies aimed at making better use of available parking supply.
Parking management strategies include preferential parking or price discounts for carpools and/or
short -term parkers, and disincentives, prohibitions and price supplements for those contributing
more to congestion.
Parking Pricing: Strategy to reduce automobile use by requiring motorists to pay directly for using
parking facilities. Time variable parking pricing can be used as a congestion reduction strategy.
Parking Cash -Out: This means that people (typically commuters, and sometimes residents of
multi- family housing) who are offered a free parking space are also offered the cash equivalent
when they use alternative transportation modes and so do not impose parking costs.
Ridesharing: Ridesharing is any cooperative effort of two or more people sharing a motor vehicle
traveling to a common destination, such as a work site. Carpools and vanpools are common forms
of ridesharing.
Smart Growth: Land use development practices that create more resource efficient and livable
communities, with more accessible land use patterns. An alternative to sprawl.
Sprawl: Dispersed, low- density, single -use, automobile dependent land use patterns.
Stakeholder: Individuals or groups that are affected by a decision and have an interest in its
outcome.
Teleworking: Teleworking involves the use of telephones, computers, and other technology to
work from a location other than a conventional office.
Transportation Demand Management (TDM): Various strategies that change travel behavior
(how, when and where people travel) in order to increase transport system efficiency and achieve
specific objectives such as reduced traffic congestion, road and parking cost savings, increased
safety, improved mobility for non - drivers, energy conservation and pollution emission reductions.
Also called Mobility Management.
Transportation Management Association (TMA): A TMA is a partnership or organization that
brings interested parties together to work on transportation issues.
Vanpool: A vanpool consists of seven to fifteen people sharing their commute in a passenger van,
generally riding to the same place of employment.
Vehicle Miles Traveled: Number of miles a vehicle has traveled for a commute.