Twenty-four newly appointed transportation coordinators attended a "Commute Alternatives" training class on April 3. These transportation coordinators represent Pleasanton businesses and property managers who employ more than 50 people at their work sites.

The all day class, co-sponsored by the City of Pleasanton, Hacienda Business Park and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), was designed to help employers implement the requirements of the City’s Transportation Systems Management (TSM) Ordinance.

The TSM Ordinance requires that companies and/or property managers employing more than 50 people survey their employees, develop a TSM program, distribute information on carpooling, bicycling and public transit use, and evaluate their program and submit a report to the city.

By June 30th of this year, participating employers are expected to reduce peak hour vehicle trips by 15 percent. The course gave coordinators the tools necessary to implement their TSM programs and successfully attain this goal.

The training class was held at the beautifully restored Century House in Pleasanton. The City provided lunch which was enjoyed on the outside decks so participants could take advantage of the warm spring weather.

Local transportation experts as well as representatives from MTC’s Commute Alternatives program spoke to the class. Gail Gilpin, Pleasanton’s Transportation Coordinator, explained the provisions of the ordinance and how best to develop a TSM plan.

Karen Fraser-Middleton, Hacienda Business Park’s Transportation Manager, discussed methods of marketing ridesharing to employees.

Jim Lawrence of the Farmers Insurance Group explained, from his experience as a transportation coordinator, how to put a company program together.

“After going through the course, everyone expressed enthusiasm for implementing their programs. The coordinators realize now that the programs are manageable, especially with so many resources available to assist them. With over 40 trained coordinators now in Pleasanton, the success of the TSM Ordinance seems assured,” said Fraser-Middleton.

To see a reproduction of the original article and edition of Pleasanton Pathways, visit: April 22, 1985 Pathways.