Figure 1. How Washington state investment in the CTR Program leverages additional public and private funding. |
The Commute Trip Reduction Program (CTR) consists of an extensive set of formal and informal partnerships. Figure 1 characterizes how the state investment is compounded at each level in the program. Ultimately, these investments result in employee contributions, saving space on our roads and improving efficiency in the transportation system.
In the 2007–2009 biennium, the state will have invested $5.5 million in CTR. These funds are used to manage the program, provide local employer support and services, establish accountability, provide technical assistance, generate public awareness, and support policy development.
Local governments (counties, cities, transit systems) provide an additional investment. Based on 2005 data, local government investment is approximately $1.8 million for the biennium. These funds are used to provide commute services to employers.
Employers invest in commute programs for their employees. Employer investment has steadily increased since 1995 when they reported investing $8.2 million for the year. The most recent complete survey, 2005, suggests employers are contributing over $49 million per year. Employer investment has shifted as the CTR program has matured. In 1995, the majority of their investment was for administration; today over 75 percent of the investment is commute subsidies.