Each year, Loma Linda University Health conducts two separate commuter surveys as mandated by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. One is exclusively for Loma Linda University employees, and the other is referred to as the “Medical Center” survey but actually includes all other Loma Linda entities with the exception of LLU Behavioral Medicine Center and LLU Medical Center – Murrieta.
The university survey was conducted in April and had an 81 percent response rate, revealing an average vehicle ridership of 1.211 people. The Medical Center survey took place in June, garnering an 88 percent response rate and showing an average vehicle ridership of 1.175 people. The South Coast Air Quality Management District requires organizations to attain an average vehicle ridership of 1.5.
There are great reasons for employees of Loma Linda University Health to share their commute.
The organization offers generous rideshare benefits to its employees. One reason to offer these benefits is to encourage employees to participate in a rideshare program in hopes of reaching the required 1.5 average vehicle ridership number.
While Loma Linda University Health did not reach that goal with the 2016 surveys, the results of the survey were enough to avoid additional fees.
“Thank you to all who completed the survey,” says Patricia Ibarra, employee transportation coordinator.
“But it does not stop here,” she adds. “We need to improve our average vehicle ridership next year and every year after that until the 1.5 people-per-vehicle goal is reached. This can only be achieved by more employees joining one of our great rideshare programs and reaping the benefits offered to them for participating.”
Loma Linda University Health’s rideshare programs offer employee benefits for commuter methods including carpools, public transit, walking, biking or vanpooling.
“Try one of these programs out for a day or two to see if it is something you might like,” Ibarra encourages. “Be part of the solution, not the pollution.”
The perfect time to try one of these programs is during rideshare week, Oct. 3-7. Pledge to rideshare at https://www.ie511.org/ie and be entered into a drawing for some amazing prizes. As an alternative to signing up online, paper pledge forms can be obtained at the rideshare, parking and traffic office located in the West Hall parking garage on Campus Street.
For further information about Loma Linda University Health’s rideshare programs, call ext. 53033.