City of Richardson, Texas

	One of the Best Workplaces for Commuters Since: September 2003 Primary Commuter Benefit(s): Discounted monthly transit passes Supporting Commuter Benefits: Telework/telecommuting Bike parking, showers, and lockers Vanpool support Shuttles from transit stations Employee commuting awards Rideshare and carpool matching

With 950 employees located in 30 different buildings, and coverage 24/7, the City of Richardson, Texas has shown that implementing a successful commuter benefit program in a municipal government setting is possible. With a motto of "Everyone can do something and every little bit counts!" the city has been able to create a program that educates and informs while having a lot of fun.

Program at a Glance

Using a varied menu of programs, every employee can find some way to reduce trips or make the trips they do take more environmentally friendly. Year-round programs include discounted monthly transit passes; free daily transit passes for meetings or training; subsidized vanpool services and preferred parking; support for carpool, telecommuting, biking and walking (with bicycle storage and shower facilities); staggered scheduling to avoid rush hour; and an Emergency Ride Home program.

Employees sign up for their chance to test drive an alternate fuel vehicle.

Employees join the program by filling out a survey that asks basic geographical and travel information. All information is entered into the Employee TDM database. Using monthly participation information sent in by the employees, trip, mileage and pollution savings are calculated. Monthly prize drawings are then held. All participants, regardless of the amount of trips saved, are eligible to win in the monthly drawings. Each November, an awards luncheon is held to recognize top participants of the program. Special recognition is given to the TDM Employee of the Year, TDM Trivia Champion, and Vanpool Captains.

Other programs and events include Alternative Vehicle test drives; vehicle maintenance recognition; alternate fuel fleet vehicles; special scheduling for equipment on ozone days; monthly TDM Trivia question; website for program information; monthly email updates and email alerts of upcoming ozone days from the city's Health Department.

	City of Richardson employee at the annual awards luncheon, catching gift certificates in the money machine.

Program Recognition

Each year since 1993, the city has received the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition's award for exceptional efforts to implement commuter strategies. In 2001, the North Texas Clean Air Coalition named Richardson it's Employer of the Year, and awarded the GOLD LEVEL recognition to the city in 2002 and 2003 for its commuter benefits programs. In November 2003, the City of Richardson enhanced its commuter benefits to meet the criteria of the Best Workplaces for CommutersSM program, thus becoming one of the first Best Workplaces for Commuters SM in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.

Each year more Richardson employees see how simple it is to make a difference in air quality, congestion and overall quality of life in our community.