TRANSPORTATION

SPE’s Rideshare Program complies with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 2202 requirements by participating in SCAQMD’s Emission Reduction Strategy (ERS). The ERS allows Rule 2202 compliance through the purchase of certified emission credits. SPE works with a leading provider of emission credits to maintain a cost effective yet environmentally sensitive approach to Rule 2202 compliance.

In addition to operating the compliance-based program, Rideshare offers incentives to SPE’s participants, such as monthly incentive coupons, emergency rides home, subsidies for transit passes, and preferred parking for carpoolers. Reminders about the benefits of alternative commuting are regularly posted on SPE’s intranet and distributed through other employee communications. SPE’s web-based rideshare application, iRideshare, continues to be a success by providing a “green” and streamlined way for participants to process Rideshare transactions.

The Rideshare Program continues to be managed by a certified Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) who oversees SCAQMD compliance, initiates and enforces Rideshare policies, and oversees all activities of the program.

The SPE traffic study was conducted in February by Crain and Associates, an independent traffic engineering company. The study analyzes traffic volume and parking demand on the studio lot and on neighboring streets during a five week-day period. A detailed report was submitted to the City’s Community Development and Public Works divisions in March.

The studio’s trip generation decreased from last year, due in part to the Lot and Office Transformation (LOT) project, but remained at a low level for the studio. No concentrated traffic was generated during AM or PM peak hours. In addition, the studio parking demand decreased by approximately 12% when compared to the 2008 demand, continuing to be well within the studio’s supply. Parking within the surrounding neighborhoods increased slightly by 4%, but a majority of street parking remained available, demonstrating that current studio and City parking measures are adequate to ensure SPE vehicles remain on-site.

The Conditions of Approval require SPE to make traffic improvements when specific thresholds of increased traffic (or "net new trips") at the studio are attained. This year’s report shows that no traffic improvements are required at this time.