A new program promotes transportation efficiency

WSDOT is collaborating with local governments, transit agencies, and businesses on a new approach to support economic development and transportation efficiency in growing urban centers.

The Growth and Transportation Efficiency Center (GTEC) program, which is part of the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law, works with businesses, schools, and neighborhoods to find new ways to encourage commuters to ride transit, vanpool, carpool, walk, bike, work from home, and use other commute options besides driving alone.

While the statewide CTR program focuses on commuters traveling to major employers, GTECs provide commute options programs to smaller employers, residents, and students. Common program elements include trip reduction incentives, transit passes, outreach and information for commuters, small-scale infrastructure investments, and local policy development and implementation.

What is a GTEC?

A GTEC is a defined boundary of dense mixed development with major employers, small businesses and residential units, within an established urban growth area. The goal of the GTEC program is to provide greater access to employment and residential centers while decreasing the proportion of commuters driving alone during peak periods on the state highway system.