Source: Zuehlke, K. and R. Guensler. Employer Perception of Employer-Based Trip Reduction Program Implementation. Accepted for presentation. 86th TRB Annual Meeting, January 2007, Washington D.C.

Goal
The Commute Options employer survey element of the Commute Atlanta project was designed to control for changes in employer policies and practices that might impact trip-making behavior during the study period.

Findings

The Atlanta Employer Commute Atlanta Survey of area employers in 2003 and 2005 traced implementation levels and employer perception of employer-based transportation control measures. However, the survey was not designed to directly assess the effectiveness of the actual strategies implemented in the ‘Atlanta Framework for Cooperation to Reduce Traffic Congestion and Improve Air Quality.’ Nevertheless, the results provide unique insight into employer participation in employer-based trip reduction (EBTR) strategies.

• Few employers offer commute or parking benefits, promote regional EBTR programs, use alternative work modes, or carry membership in the Clean Air Campaign (CAC) or local transportation management associations (TMAs)
• Employers report the following barriers to further EBTR strategy implementation: insufficient employee interest, minimal perceived benefits to organization, lack of upper management support, and office’s distance to public transit.
• Employer implementation of onsite transit sales is correlated with high employer perception of conflict with organization operations, high cost, and concerns regarding equity across types of employees.