Expedia Group Commute Program

The Expedia Group story shows how flexibility and variety of commute options are key to achieving lasting commute program success.

Setting the Stage

Relocation is more than just a move.

In 2014 Expedia Group (EG) announced plans to relocate its headquarters from Bellevue, WA, to Seattle’s Interbay neighborhood in 2019. The relocation 10 miles west would be a considerable change for EG employees, a majority of whom had set their roots in and around Bellevue since EG arrived there in 1996. The Bellevue headquarters was located adjacent to a regional transit hub, major freeways, and a walkable downtown, allowing easy access for employees throughout the region. By comparison, the new Seattle campus is set on the shores of Elliott Bay, three miles northwest of major transit hubs in downtown Seattle.

The move to Seattle demanded a new focus on “the commute.” Many employees would no longer have direct transit access, and drivers would face the added hurdle of battling Seattle’s rush hour. In addition, EG’s Transportation Management Program, required by the City of Seattle, set aggressive goals to limit the number of employees driving alone. Ensuring a good employee experience and meeting the City’s requirements put commute top of mind for EG leadership.

Commute Program Philosophy in Action

It's all in the details.

Expedia Group’s Campus Commute program expands opportunities for employees to rethink how they travel to work. These programs were instrumental in achieving a flexible and effective commute program

Park when you need to. The changes to the parking program laid the foundation for Expedia Group's flexible commute program.

Take transit. Expedia Group has maintained a high transit mode share by removing barriers to transit access and expanding employee resources.

Hope on a shuttle. The commuter shuttle program launched in 2019 when Expedia Group relocated to the Seattle campus. Shuttle routes are designed to serve employees who do not have good access to transit.

Bike and walk. The Campus Commute team built a culture of bike commuting through events, on-site bike maintenance, and rewards.

Share a ride. Carpooling and vanpooling are attractive options for employees who want to save on parking costs and maintain the schedule flexibility that a car provides.

Get rewarded. A robust rewards program provides incentives for employees not to drive. A daily commute cash incentive paired with the daily parking rate helps monetize the daily decision to drive or not to drive.

Tracking the Benefits

We're on the right track.

The commute program success was achieved thanks to leadership buy-in, long-term policy planning, strategically targeted communications, and a company-wide initiative to improve the employee commute experience. Tracking this approach over five years shows the benefits and value of robust commute program.

"Through partnership with Nelson\Nygaard and the Luum software, we've taken a holistic approach to commute program implementation. We've seen meaningful return on investment, including fiscal stewardship and increased employee satisfaction. We look forward to the continued evolution of the commute program."

- Josh Khanna, Expedia Group Director, Global Real Estate

The transition to the new Expedia Group campus wrapped up in 2020, but the work continues for theNelson\Nygaard team. When employees return to campus after a prolonged work-from-home period due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, an emphasis will be placed on reestablishing connections with employees and articulating the safest, most convenient commute options. Using Luum’s data-driven tools to understand how employees are reengaging with their commute enables effective outreach and decision-making by the Nelson\Nygaard team and EG leadership.

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Learn more about the Expedia Group project and what it looks like to transform your commute with Nelson\Nygaard below.