Commuter Services - Parking and Transportation Office

The U-PASS program has served as a model and has received many awards both locally and nationally:

Commuter Challenge: Diamond Award (1994, 1995, 1997, 2007)

The Commuter Challenge part of the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County recognize Diamond Award winners. Winners are recognized as innovative leaders in reducing employee commute trips. They are selected through a vigorous review panel composed of transportation experts and business leaders to identify outstanding programs in King County.

Designated one of the U.S. EPA'S Best worplaces for commuters (2004)

The University of Washington was designated one of the U.S. EPA's Best Workplaces for Commuters, recognizing the U-PASS program for innovative solutions to commuting challenges.

Commuter Challenge: Pacesetter (2002, 2004)

The Commuter Challenge part of the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County recognize employers annually chosen from nearly 600 King County worksites for their outstanding programs that help employees get to work-and make the commute easier for everyone. Pacesetters are employers with innovative programs that go beyond the basic requirements of the Commute Trip Reduction Law.

Puget Sound Regional Council: Vision 2020 Award (1996, 2002)

The Puget Sound Regional Council recognizes organizations with innovative and creative projects, programs and plans that help achieve the objectives of VISION 2020, the regional growth and transportation strategy for the central Puget Sound region.

In 2003, the University of Washington received an award for its innovative parking pricing program called, Pay-Per-Use-Parking program.

EPA and Department of Transportation: The Commuter Choice Leadership Initiative (2001)

The University of Washington was named a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation Commuter Choice Leadership Initiative. The EPA/DOT Initiative recognizes employers for meeting national standards of excellence for employer-provided commuter benefits.

Governor's CommuteSmart Award (1998, 2001)

Governor's CommuteSmart Award is state's highest achievement award, which recognize the Washington State employers with the most innovative programs encouraging the use of buses, carpools, vanpools, bicycling, walking, working from home, and compressed work weeks. The award winning employers serve as role models to more than 1,100 employers in the state that plan and implement Commute Trip Reduction programs.

Commuter Challenge: Diamond Ring Award (2000)

The Commuter Challenge part of the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County recognize employers annually recognize outstanding programs over time.

EPA'S Transportation Partners: Way to Go! Award (1998)

The Way to Go! Awards sponsored by the EPA honor local innovators who are enhancing their communities and the environment through transportation improvements. The U-PASS received an award in the economic category, which use financial tools to encourage people to find new ways of commuting.

National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO): Higher Education Award (1996)

The annual Higher Education Awards Program recognized programs within colleges and universities that save their institutions money.

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) (1992)

APTA named Metro as the best large public transportation system in North America, in part for its work on the U-PASS program.

Bullitt Foundation's Oil Smart Award: Best Overall Transportation Program (1991, 1992)

The Oil Smart campaign during Wednesdays of March recognizes companies and institutions that have made extraordinary efforts to change their employees' commute modes.

Association for Commuter Transportation: Leadership Award (1991)

The national organization recognizes public agencies, private corporations, universities, vanpool management companies, and other nonprofit organizations that promote alternative commute options.

Parking Services' Pay-Per-Use-Parking program receives VISION 2020 award

The University of Washington's Pay-Per-Use-Parking program received a 2003 VISION 2020 award* at the Puget Sound Regional Council's General Assembly meeting.

"The VISION 2020 award winners show a high level of innovation, creativity and success. They are proof that our region is taking important steps to create a more livable future," says Sammamish Councilmember Kathleen Huckabay, who chaired the awards selection committee.

The Pay-Per-Use Parking Program is one of the University's flexible transportation programs. Employees are charged only for the days they park their car (rather than paying a flat fee for unlimited parking). On days employees choose not to drive to campus, they are not charged for parking and they save money. This provides them with an incentive to leave their vehicle at home.

VISION 2020 is a regional strategy adopted by central Puget Sound cities and counties that promotes a strong economy, efficient transportation, a healthy environment, and vibrant communities that are great places to live and work.

Motor Pool

2005 ASE Blue Seal of Excellence

The Motor Pool maintenance shop was the recipient of the Institute of Automotive Service Excellence Blue Seal of Excellence for 2005-2006. This award recognizes the Motor pool shop for it's continuing efforts to pursue and maintain certification with this nationally recognized institute. To qualify for this prestigious award, all Motor Equipment Mechanics must be individually certified in at least three different ASE categories. Also, the overall shop is evaluated as a team to meet other criteria including individual certification of the Parts Program Specialist. We are proud of our automotive service technicians and their achievements.

2005 Outstanding Member Award from the National Association of Fleet Administrators.

This prestigious award recognized his contribution and dedication to the local NAFA chapter. David was quoted as saying "What a tremendous honor and not to mention a complete surprise to win the Outstanding Chapter Service Award. I will cherish this award most because it comes from my NAFA friends and peers." David also thanked Peter Bednar, Walter Burnett, CAFM, Jan Fairies, Ron Flowers, Brian Friesen, Sheryl Grossman, Lou Mene, Leonie Von Hall, Doug Weichman and Bill DeRousse.

2004 Envirostars 4-Star Rating

For our efforts to properly manage and reduce hazardous waste, Motor Pool Operations has qualified for EnviroStars certification. EnviroStars awards businesses on a 2-5 star scale. The more proactive a business is in protecting the environment, the higher the star rating. On January 7, 2004 Motor Pool Operations received a 4-star rating! The EnviroStars program is a service of the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program of King County Washington. The program certifies businesses for their efforts in preventing pollution and reducing hazardous waste. In addition to rewarding the business for their efforts, EnviroStars also gives consumers an objective way to identify environmentally sound businesses. As a 4-star business, Motor Pool Operations will be listed in the Green Business Directory and may be mentioned in radio ads broadcast on KPLU 88.5, KUOW 94.9 and KSER 90.7.

2004 Envirostars 5-Star Rating

At the Vehicle Maintenance Management Conference (VMMC) on March 22, 2004, David Carr, Manager of Motor Pool Operations, was presented with Motor Pool Operation's "5th Star" from the King County EnviroStars program. Motor Pool Operations received a 4-Star rating in 2003 for it's efforts to properly manage and reduce hazardous waste. At that time, we set a goal to receive our 5th and final star in 2004 and we have achieved this goal! This is the highest rating available from the program and establishes our department as environmentally responsible and proactive.

In order to receive our 5th star, we had to develop a routine solid waste recycling program and demonstrate proactive environmental leadership. The Motor Pool team is very proud and honored by this recognition.

Governor Gary Locke honored seven Washington facilities with the 2004 Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Practices. The winners, among which was the University of Washington Motor Pool Operations, invested in innovative ways to offer their services and products while minimizing waste, and conserving energy, water and other vital resources. They reduced their material and disposal costs, increased their product quality, and improved worker health and safety. You can view the official press release and learn more about Motor Pool Operation's contributions as well as those of the other recipients.

Motor Pool Operations received the "Recycler of the Year" award together with UW Surplus Property from the Washington State Recycling Association.

2000 Larry Goill Award for Quality Fleet Management Ideas

At the National Association of Fleet Administrators annual Fleet Management Institue, David Carr, Manager of Motor Pool Operations, was presented with the "Larry Goill Award for Quality Fleet Management Ideas." A reservation system that began as a pegboard on the wall of Motor Pool Operations has evolved into a paperless process that saves time for all parties involved. The online reservation process was developed as a component of Motor Pool Operation's fleet management system. The reservation system debuted January 1999. As of April 1, 2000 over 650 Motor Pool clients are making and confirming their own vehicle reservations. As of December 2006 we now have over 5600 registered online users The Motor Pool's Online Reservation System is one of the first examples of successful application of technology to fleet administration. As such, it has served as an example for other agencies, universities, and private fleets to investigate and utilize current technology in their own fleets. The Motor Pool team is very proud and honored by this recognition.

Property and Transport Services

2006-2007 EPA's College & University Green power Challenge

EPA's GPP encourages organizations to purchase green power as a way to reduce the environment impacts associated with conventional electricity use. The University of Washington was recognized for being the Pacific-10 Conference Champion.

2006 Washington State Recycling Association, Institution of Higher Education Recycler of the Year

The Evolutionary campaign received the 2006 Recycler of the Year in the Institution category from the Washington State Recycling Association in May. The Evolutionary campaign supports City of Seattle's paper ban and is proud to report that there has been an increased of over 30 tons paper collected since it's launch.

2004 Washington State Recycling Association, Institution of Higher Education Recycler of the Year

The UW Surplus Program received the 2004 Recycler of the Year in the Institution category from the Washington State Recycling Association in May. The UW Surplus Program diverted through reuse and recycling 610 tons from the landfill of materials surplused by the University departments.

2002 Washington State Recycling Association, Institution Recycler of the Year

The UW Recycling Program received the 2002 Recycler of the Year in the Institution category from the Washington State Recycling Association in May. The award resulted from the successful efforts of many on campus to expand recycling in parking lots around Husky Stadium during football games.

1997 Government Employer of the Year, Washington State Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment

Each year the Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment selects one employer from governmental institutions and agencies for their outstanding achievements in advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Property and Transport Services was selected for their ongoing commitment in providing employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.

1997 Outstanding Contribution, United Cerebral Palsy Association National Project with Industry

The Property and Transport Services Manager was honored with the Outstanding Contribution Award for her work on the national level with United Cerebral Palsy's Project with Industry program. Over a four year period, the project developed program marketing material for national offices, manuals for establishing business advisory councils, and programs to assist employers in diversity awareness training to remove employer barriers to hiring people with disabilities.

1995 Certificate of Appreciation, IAM CARES Business Advisory Council

Each year, IAM CARES (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Worker's Center for Administering Rehabilitation and Employment Services) recognizes employers and individuals for outstanding achievements in enhancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. In 1995, Property and Transport Services staff was presented with certificates of appreciation for providing recycling sorter positions for people with disabilities.

1995 Department of Ecology Best G.O.L.D. Program

Washington State Department of Ecology recognized the University of Washington's recycling program for having the best Government Option to Land Disposal (GOLD) program. This award honors outstanding achievement by a government agency or institution on developing and implementing its G.O.L.D. program. The G.O.L.D. program has six elements: waste reduction, source separation, recycling, procurement of recycled content goods, and education, tracking and communication accomplishments.

1994 Employer of the Year, United Cerebral Palsy King-Snohomish County

Each year United Cerebral Palsy of King-Snohomish County recognizes area employers for their achievements in employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The University of Washington was selected employer of the year for employment people with disabilities in the paper recycling sorting operation.

1992 King County Recycle Week Outstanding Achievement Award

King County's Recycle Week is a series of events to increase public awareness of participation in waste reduction, recycling, and the use of recycled products. The University's award was in the category of large government agencies. King County officials chose winners from among 35 nominees presenting awards to individuals, businesses, schools, community groups, and public agencies.