Commuter Choice Awards applaud those who use sustainable transportation

While commuting alone by car remains the most popular way that people get to work, Metro Transit and its transportation partners on Wednesday gave a tip of the hat to businesses, employers and individuals who have committed to using or promote using alternate forms of transportation.

The 2015 Commuter Choice Awards were presented at Union Depot, with the winners nominated from a panel of Twin Cities Transportation experts.

"These awards are a reminder that sustainable transportation takes many forms in the Twin Cities, including transit, ridesharing, car-sharing, biking and walking," Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb said. "Metro Transit and its partners are pleased to recognize all those who are finding alternatives to driving alone and doing their part to create a healthy, livable community."

Metro Transit's partners include the region's Transportation Management Organziations, including Commuter Solutions, Anoka County Commute Solutions, Minneapolis Commuter Connection and St. Paul's Smart Trips.

And now, for this year's winners:

Building Owner/Management Company

Base Management installed state-of-the-art multimodal commuter facilities and has hosted frequent commuter information fairs at Marquette Plaza in downtown Minneapolis. More than 60 percent of its employees now commute sustainably on a regular basis.

Barr Engineering Co. created its own Commuter Challenge, bringing together novice, casual, and avid sustainable commuters from departments across the company. Employees were given access to carpool and bicycle commuting resources and other incentives to try something other than driving alone to work.

Government

The City of St. Paul developed its first comprehensive bicycle plan, expanded car-sharing options and provided transit passes to young people during their first month of summer employment.

Organization

Richfield-based Minnesota Life College taught young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities how to use the regional transit system and use other sustainable modes of transportation to get around.