Destination Downtown: Opening Doors to Transportation Options

Oregon Public Transportation Conference, October 19, 2015

Introduction

Derek Hofbauer, Senior TDM Specialist at Alta Planning + Design

Hannah Crum, Programs Specialist at Alta Planning + Design

Overview

1. Background

2. What we do

3. Getting your foot in the door

4. Keeping businesses engaged

5. Contacts & Questions

Background

• 2012 Pilot Program

• Commuter focused

• Community partnerships

• Annual evaluation/reporting

• 8-10% reduction in drive-

alone commute trips

What We Do

• Information – guides, maps,

resources, communications

• Events – custom and existing

• Rewards – commuter rewards,

drawings, coupons, sign-up reward

• Consistent and visible branding

Getting Your Foot in the Door

• Host a stakeholder

discussion group

• Form supportive

partnerships

• Get the word out

• Generate interest

• Support businesses

Getting Your Foot in the Door - Strategies

• In-person visits

• Menu of program services

• Coupon Book

• Sample commute kits

• Bike parking installation

• Purchasing gift cards for rewards

Getting Your Foot in the Door - Tips

• Visit businesses during the right time of day

• Be genuine and talk about their interests first

• Give a quick elevator speech with call to action

• Send follow up emails

• “Ghost write” an email they can send to their

employees with one click

Getting Your Foot in the Door - Example

Noon Concert Series

• Brand recognition

• Employee referral program

• Encouraged employees to walk

to the concert

• Mini-events to support local

businesses and organizations

• Promotion through food trucks

Keeping Businesses Engaged

• Stay in touch!

• Sustain a mutual

relationship

• Listen to the business

owner’s needs and frame

your message

• Find reasons to visit businesses

• Take advantage of social media

• Host events at businesses

• Find an employee champion

• Provide businesses with maps and guides

Keeping Businesses Engaged - Strategies

Keeping Businesses Engaged - Example

• Listen – parking was a hot topic

• Take action – start a

conversation, gather information

• Frame your message –

transportation options are key

*There are always new opportunities

to frame your message*

The Employee Parking Guide

Contacts & Questions

Derek Hofbauer

Derekhofbauer@altaplanning.com

(503) 575-2766

Hannah Crum

Hannahcrum@altaplanning.com

(503) 200-3280

Questions?