Fixable How employers in Washington State solved a transportation crisis (from Speed & Scale)
Oct 13, 2025
In this engaging discussion with Brian Lagerberg, a seasoned transportation policy expert, listeners dive into Washington State's innovative commuter trip reduction plan. Brian shares insights on how the state tackled carbon emissions from commuting through strategies like telework, paid transit, and carpool incentives. He highlights the successful drop in drive-alone rates, evolving from 73% to 68%. The conversation also uncovers how collaboration with employers shaped the initiative and offers transferable policy ideas for other regions aiming to improve commute practices.
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State-Level Driving Reduction Worked
- Washington State reduced per-person driving by about 1,400 miles yearly compared to national increases. This saved roughly 9 million gallons of gasoline each year without EV-focused policies.
Employers Should Solve Commute Peaks
- Ruth Fisher proposed that employers who create peak commute demand should provide the solution. She sponsored the Commuter Trip Reduction law requiring major employers to offer commuting alternatives.
Provide Tangible Commute Benefits
- Offer concrete commute benefits like paid transit passes, telework, and flexible hours to reduce solo driving. Employers can match or reallocate compensation to deliver large real-world value to employees.