County Employees and Employers Win Commuter Transportation Awards

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Contact: Esther Bowring, 240-777-6530
Tom Pogue, 301-565-7317

For Immediate Release: December 27, 2000

COUNTY EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS WIN
COMMUTER TRANSPORTATION AWARDS

Montgomery County won seven of the 11 awards presented at the 14th annual holiday luncheon of the Chesapeake Chapter Association for Commuter Transportation, which includes members from Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. The awards recognize companies and individuals that promote the use of alternate transportation in the region.

Association members are transportation professionals who develop partnerships between business and government to reduce road congestion, improve air quality, and make commuting easier.

Montgomery County businesses, employees and programs were honored with the following awards:

Unsung Hero: Jason Gilmore, senior human resources specialist, with G. E. Global Exchange Services, was recognized for his efforts in promoting alternate transportation at the 1,700 employee e-commerce business in Gaithersburg. Gilmore believes strongly in alternative transportation options, and devotes considerable time and energy to providing commuter benefits to employees. He has worked to promote the County's transit incentive programs, helped install bike racks and showers at work, and obtained a mobile transit rack to hold schedules and other transportation information.

Outstanding Incentive Program: Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc., an insurance underwriters company in Friendship Heights, did not have enough parking spaces for its employees. Even though employees paid for part of the parking fee, there was a waiting list for parking spots. The company decided to join Fare Share in January 2000 and sponsor commuter information sessions for employees. Now, more than 40 employees use public transit and take advantage of other benefits such as the regional "guaranteed ride home" program. As a result of its success in encouraging alternate transportation, Schinnerer has been able to sell back a number of parking spaces to its leasing company and there is no longer a waiting list for parking spaces.

Gary Kuykendall Outstanding Transit Service Program Award: The Division of Transit Services was recognized for operation of the three downtown shuttles in Rockville, Silver Spring and Bethesda that reduce traffic in congested corridors. The Silver Spring and Bethesda shuttles operate all day during the week, while the Rockville Shuttle operates during weekday lunchtimes. Sixteen hundred employees work within the Rockville shuttle's route. The Silver Spring "Dasher's" goal was to attract 405 passengers a day. In summer 2000, that number was surpassed and ridership growth continues. The "Bethesda 8" shuttle began with a ridership goal of 99 daily passengers. In summer 2000, the shuttle's ridership was up to 1,000 passengers on peak days.

Tying for the Gary Kuykendall Award was the North Bethesda Transportation Management District for its lunchtime shuttle guide that promotes the use of the Rockville shuttle. The guide provides information on more than 91 restaurants and shops that are easily accessible to shuttle users.

Outstanding Employers Service Program Award: Malissa M. Marceron, office manager for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Rockville, was recognized for her outstanding dedication as transit coordinator for more than 4,000 employees. She holds regular transportation fairs and promotions, and provides tremendous support to the North Behesda Transportation Management District. More than 500 employees directly benefited from Marceron's promotions, either by acquiring transit information or by forming carpools.

James Bautz Award for Outstanding Service to the Association: Mirza Morris of the North Bethesda Transportation Center was honored for her commitment and efforts to assist the Chesapeake Chapter Association for Commuter Transportation.

Outstanding Walking Program Award: The Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Pedestrian Safety Coalition was recognized for its efforts to enhance pedestrian safety and promote more walking and bicycling. The group conducted a public education campaign that included tips for motorists and pedestrians aimed at increasing pedestrian and bicycle safety. The coalition was formed in 1999 by Delegate William Bronrott and concerned community representatives.

In addition, on December 12 Montgomery County Commuter Services received the Outstanding Sales Performance Award from the Council of Governments for efforts to support the Commuter Connections Employer Outreach Program. The program offers grants for promotions of commuting alternatives to employers to reduce traffic congestion and improve the air quality in the region.

For additional information, call Thomas Pogue at 301-565-7317.

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