Renton encourages different forms of commuting

The city of Renton is continuing a program to encourage high-occupancy commuting, despite the program’s need decreasing since the pandemic.

The Renton City Council approved a funding agreement from the Washington State Department of Transportation to receive $50,900 for the city’s Commute Trip Reduction Program.

Renton Transportation Planning Manager Ellen Talbo said the program, which is required by the Washington State Clean Air Act, focuses on encouraging and promoting the reduction of single-occupancy vehicle commuting by using transit or other forms of commuting that gets cars off the road. Talbo said the state has a technical working group that provides guidance and resources to cities, such as ways to improve carpooling.

For city employees, Renton participates in the ORCA Busines