Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1323940
o offers a concierge service that creates alternative transportation plans for caregivers who don't have time to coordinate logistics (this feature is available upon request). o provides tools and resources to help promote commuter program accomplishments and spotlight participants (see sample communication cards above). Prizes to reward caregivers for biggest improvement, and a leader board showcases commuters. Events such as "Match Madness" were held in March to match passengers together in a carpool or vanpool. However, carpooling and vanpooling are on hold due to the pandemic. The commuter program is promoted during new hire orientation every two weeks, as well as through emails, posters, banners, and publications including Caregiver News. For more information about this program at Swedish, contact caregivercommute@swedish.org. Transportation in Portland, Oregon metro area The Oregon Department of Environmental Services requires every employer with over 100 employees to develop a plan to reduce single-occupant commuting. In fact, the State's goal for Providence is to reduce the single occupancy driving rate from 70 percent to 30 percent by 2030. COVID-19 has increased telework and shown that productivity doesn't have to suffer when caregivers are remote. Now, more than 40 percent of caregivers in the Portland metro area are working from home because of the pandemic. Within the Portland service area, the commuter program offers caregivers the following benefits to encourage alternative transportation: o Annual transit passes are offered to any benefitted caregiver that works within the Portland service area: Hot Fast Pass Carpooling parking spots in highly desirable locations Free parking Electric charging stations (not free, but available) SharePoint site that offers a variety of choices "Get there Oregon" – transit site to connect with others and "carpool-match" o The ministry also encourages walking and biking by offering: Bike cages with lockers to store gear during the workday Showers to clean up before work Cycling newsletter that offers cycling routes and information For more information, contact Portland service area program at ORREG.Commute@providence.org Local efforts Commuter initiatives at St. Patrick Hospital in Montana Commuting in Montana has its challenges since many caregivers are located outside of sustainable travel routes. However, St. Patrick Hospital has pursued options to reduce single occupancy commuting wherever possible. The local team: Issued a commuter survey to St. Patrick hospital caregivers in early 2020 to establish a baseline from which to measure progress. The survey asked about commuting habits, such as how far they commute, what method of transportation is used for commuting, average commute times, motivators and demotivators for using alternative transportation, and details about telecommuting.