Release date: April 7, 2005
 

Redmond R-TRIP wins prestigious national environmental award

Redmond’s R-TRIP (Redmond Trip Reduction Incentive Program) commute-trip reduction program today received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) prestigious Clean Air Excellence Award.  This year, the award went to 13 local and state governments, industries, and citizen groups who have the most inventive and effective strategies for improving air quality.

“Congratulations to the winners of the fifth annual clean air excellence awards, whose innovative projects and creative programs demonstrate our national resolve for cleaner air and a healthier America,” said EPA Acting Administrator Steve Johnson.  “These unique contributions are an important part of air quality improvement across our nation.”

R-TRIP is a unique public-private partnership between the City of Redmond, King County Metro Transit, the Greater Redmond Transportation Management Association (GRTMA), and Redmond employers that helps to improve mobility and air quality by reducing drive-alone commute trips. R-TRIP accomplishes this with incentives for employers and commuters who choose alternatives to single occupancy vehicles, grants to support employer efforts to implement transportation solutions, and personalized commuter assistance.

“I’m overjoyed at this award!” said Redmond Mayor Rosemarie Ives. “We at the City of Redmond view R-TRIP’s combination of innovative, market-based incentives and business partnership funding as groundbreaking. I’m thrilled that EPA agrees with us.”

R-TRIP is part of the City of Redmond’s commitment to the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  “This program has made real headway into improving air quality and relieving traffic congestion,” remarked Ty Munger, President of the GRTMA.  “In 2004, R-TRIP eliminated over 80,000 vehicle trips and 200,000 pounds of pollutants.”

“Beyond winning awards, R-TRIP demonstrates that commuters are clamoring for more options other than driving alone,” said King County Executive Ron Sims. “R-TRIP also illustrates the power of the ‘commute partnership’ approach, which focuses on regional and local jurisdictions working creatively with employers to solve transportation problems.”

For more information about R-TRIP visit  the program website, or the City of Redmond website. You can also contact the Commute Services Representative at (425) 702-8001 ext. 202.

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