Puget Sound Clean Air Agency scientists found that 68 percent of air pollution in our region comes from on-road motor vehicles. Still, the majority of workers continue to drive to work alone, according to the US Census Bureau. At Virginia Mason, 70 percent of our team members do not drive alone to work and instead use alternative methods of transportation.

Public Transportation

Virginia Mason provides a 75-percent public transportation subsidy to its team members for use on buses, trains, vanpools and ferries. Virginia Mason also subsidizes several First Hill Metro bus routes for patients and team members.

Bicycling

In 2013, Washington state was voted the most bike-friendly state for the sixth year in a row. Virginia Mason provides bike racks, showers and other perks to team members who bike to work. We also fund the Virginia Mason Bike Club, which provides team members with opportunities like special events, seminars and regular bike mechanic visits.

Car Sharing

Most of our team members do not drive to work. Virginia Mason provides discounts and free rides in partnership with Zipcar. Subscribing to this service gives our team members greater flexibility to run errands.

Electric Vehicle Charging

Virginia Mason was an early adopter of electric vehicle charging stations. For many years, we have offered three electric vehicle charging stations in our parking lot at 1005 Spring Street for use by patients, team members and the public. We offer free parking to the electric vehicles while they are charging in these spaces. As the use of electric vehicles expands, the charging station use has increased.