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Vancouver adopts 2025'29 commute trip reduction plan to meet state drive-alone targets
Summary
The Vancouver City Council adopted the 2025'29 Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) plan on May 12, a state-mandated four-year plan that sets targets and strategies for large employers to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips and outlines state grant funding and local implementation.
The Vancouver City Council on May 12 adopted the 2025'29 Vancouver Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) plan to implement state requirements and local policies aimed at reducing drive-alone rates.
City staff explained that Washington state law and the Clean Air Act require jurisdictions to implement CTR programs for large employers and to adopt a four-year plan describing how the city and employers will meet statewide targets. The presentation identified a statewide goal of reducing drive-alone rates to 60% by 2029 and described the plan's emphasis on employer-based strategies such as commuter benefits, transit subsidies and outreach to employees.
"We know that telling people about their transportation choices, offering commuter benefits like stipends and subsidized transit passes helps people take the bus, carpool, bike, walk, telework, more to work," a staff member said during the presentation.
Staff noted the program is funded in part by a state CTR grant that is included in the city's current budget for fiscal years 2025'26; staff also warned that future legislative changes could alter state funding, and that the city might need to appropriate local funds if state support changes.
Public testimony included a range of comments on regional transportation and local transit ridership; Kimberly Alban asked staff questions about public access to agenda materials and raised general concerns about air quality and transit usage.
The council voted to adopt the CTR ordinance. The motion was moved by Council Member Fox and seconded by Council Member Perez. The roll-call vote recorded aye votes from Council Member Harless, Council Member Perez, Council Member Fox, Council Member Paulson, Council Member Stover and Mayor McEnany Okel.
Why it matters: the CTR plan fulfills state statutory requirements and establishes local strategies and performance targets for large employers. The plan also aligns with the city's climate action and transportation goals and identifies possible investments and employer outreach funded through a state grant.
Next steps: city staff will implement the plan with grant funds, coordinate with large employers, monitor performance measures and report progress per state and city requirements.
