Trip Reduction Program
Why was the program created?
The Trip Reduction Program (TRP) began in the late 1980s as part of the State of Arizona’s response to a
court ruling requiring greater efforts to reduce
air pollution. One outcome was a statute that focuses on employers and schools because the 70
million commuter miles driven each weekday are a
major source of air pollution (carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matter). Subsequent revisions to the statute and related
Maricopa County ordinance (P-7) reduced the minimum employee/driving-age student down to 50.
What are the goals of the program?
Employers and schools are asked to reduce single occupant vehicle (SOV) trips and/or miles traveled to the work site by 10 percent
for a total of five years, and then 5 percent for three additional years, or until a 60 percent rate of SOV travel is reached. Progress
is tracked through an annual commute survey of employer/school sites. The results of the survey are used to develop an annual plan that
commits the employer / school to implementing and documenting various strategies to reduce SOV trips or miles.
How does the Trip Reduction Program help an employer or school with compliance? |
Provides questionnaires for the commute survey Generates a commute analysis for each site surveyed Reviews plans submitted by employers/schools Recommends approval/rejection of plans Monitors implementation of approved plans Reports on the costs of implementing plans Generates annual report on commute-related emissions
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What is the Trip Reduction Task Force?
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appoints up to 15 qualified candidates to serve two-year terms on the
Task Force. Most candidates work for organizations that are required to participate
in Maricopa County’s Trip Reduction Program.
The Task Force meetings are open to the public and are usually held every four weeks. It’s during those meetings that
employer/school survey results are reviewed and the related plans are officially approved or rejected. In addition, the Task Force will
examine reports from TRP staff on compliance delays and determine if enforcement action should be initiated.
While fines are very rare, failure to comply with a Task Force request can result in civil penalties of up to $300 per
day. Failing to meet the SOV targets is not a reason for an organization to be fined.
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What other assistance is available?
The Maricopa County Trip Reduction Program partners with the RPTA/Valley Metro –
Commute Solutions workgroup to provide training, personalized assistance and promotional materials to all participating organizations. These support services are provided at no cost to employers.
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For more information:
Or call (602) 506-6750
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