Ride Together Pierce’s Best Commuter Business Leadership Program Recognizes Employers for Supporting Sustainable Transportation Options
Ride Together Pierce’s Best Commute Business leadership program has named the University of Puget Sound a 2025 Best Commuter Business. The designation recognizes the university’s commitment to reducing traffic congestion, fuel consumption, and environmental impact through sustainable transportation advocacy.
The university is one of only 36 worksites in Pierce County to receive this honor for 2025. The program, which began in 2019, evaluates employers on their ability to reduce drive-alone rates and provide a roadmap for improving commuter benefits.
This honor reflects the real-world impact of the university’s efforts, detailed in the 2025 Commute Survey, which highlights how the campus community travels. According to the results, 54% of students and 16% of faculty and staff now commute by walking. Another way the campus community is improving its carbon footprint is through sustainable vehicle technology. Currently, 22% of faculty and staff have transitioned to some form of electric car, with 14% driving hybrids and 8% driving fully electric vehicles.
The survey results identified the primary reasons for commuting choices. Faculty and staff listed time, flexibility, and convenience as their main travel considerations. While the average solo drive for employees sits at about 10 miles, those who carpool or walk travel an average of three miles or less.
To further reduce drive-alone rates, the university is evaluating incentives requested by the campus community, including increasing communication and available information about sustainable commute alternatives.
Encouraging sustainable transportation options reduces regional carbon emissions, supports equity initiatives, and benefits the local economy by easing the financial burden of long-distance commuting.
Ride Together Pierce works with local jurisdictions and employers to develop transportation solutions through marketing and programming. To learn more about the Ride Together Pierce’s Best Commuter Business program and sustainable commute options, visit RideTogetherPierce.com/BCB or reach out to Puget Sound’s Director of Sustainability Lexi Brewer at lbrewer@pugetsound.edu.
