The Redmond Trip Resource and Incentive Program (RTRIP) was one of 173 government programs selected for the Bright Ideas program from the Ash Center for Domestic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

Bright Ideas is designed to recognize and share creative government initiatives around the country with interested public sector, nonprofit and academic communities.

RTRIP is an innovative, multi-award winning program that offers resources and incentives to Redmond businesses and residents, encouraging them to leave the single occupant vehicle at home and travel by alternative means. This might mean car or vanpooling to work, or walking downtown between shops rather than driving.

“The program was chosen as a bright idea because it successfully demonstrates that mobility, economic, energy and environmental goals can be advanced by creating flexible resources, funding and incentives,” stated Erika Vandenbrande, transportation demand management programs manager for the City of Redmond.

“This powerful combination motivates coordinated action by individuals, businesses and local government to make shared commutes both possible and attractive,” said Vandenbrande.

Bright Ideas seeks to complement the Ash Center’s long-standing Innovations in American Government Awards Program by providing government agencies with a collection of new solutions to consider and adopt when faced with their own challenges. This year’s Bright Ideas were chosen by a team of expert evaluators including academics, practitioners and former public servants.

The Ash Center’s Innovations in Government Program spotlights exemplary models of government innovation and advances efforts to address the nation’s most pressing public concerns. Throughout its history, the program has generated a wealth of research based on award-winning government innovations and the study of how innovation occurs.

For more information about RTRIP, visit https://www.gortrip.com/home/home.aspx