Commuter Connections conducted its seventh annual employer survey in 2004 to measure use of and satisfaction with the products and assistance of the Commuter Connections Employer Services Representatives.

Over 1,650 surveys were distributed to employers throughout the region, with a response rate of 13 percent, representing the largest ever percentage response for the satisfaction survey. Responding employers vary in size and represent a number of diverse industries, including but not limited to consulting, health services, non-profit, financial services, legal services, and information technology.

Overall, the survey netted positive results from the business community, including suggestions about ways in which the Commuter Connections outreach efforts can provide even greater support.

  • Over two-thirds (68 percent) of the employers had assisted employees with commute options for one or more years.
  • Over 60 percent of employers indicated knowledge of a person or organization that could assist them in developing a commuter-transportation program.
  • The majority of employers find the efforts of their Commuter Connections outreach representative are effective in helping to develop and implement commute programs at their worksites.
  • A series of questions measured employer satisfaction across a range of topic areas regarding the Employer Services representative’s knowledge of local rideshare products, local traffic-mitigation strategies, willingness to help, enthusiasm, and overall quality of their local employer-services program. Ninety-four percent of respondents indicated that they were satisfied with the quality of the services provided and nearly half said they were very satisfied. Respondents were most satisfied with the Employer Services representatives’ willingness to help and the enthusiasm with which representatives communicated the Commuter Connections message.
  • Employers continue to find brochures and posters helpful and state an interest in seminars focused on transit incentives, general Commuter Connections programs, and Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) training.
  • Nineteen percent of the respondents indicated that they are not directly involved with assisting employees with their daily commutes, up from 12 percent last year. This fact suggests that outreach representatives may have had difficulty in contacting the appropriate people at some sites. Identifying the best contacts at each site will enhance awareness of Commuter Connections programs.
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