Microsoft Should Use Driverless Vans to Reduce Congestion

Microsoft President Brad Smith’s recently announced their  Redmond campus expansion plans to accommodate 8,000 more than the current 47,000 employees are “good for our employees, good for the Puget Sound community, and makes good sense for our shareholders”.   However, its “doubtful” many east side residents who attempt to commute along West Lake Sammamish Blvd, 156^th, 148^th, or 140^th during several hours each morning and afternoon welcome the prospect of likely adding 8000 vehicles to those of the 47,000 employees who currently work there.   Presumably Microsoft congestion also affects other roadways in the area. 

Microsoft should be encouraged (required?) to limit the size of its new underground parking to 20,000 stalls.  They should greatly expand their current Connector Service to accommodate the remaining employees.  They’re all going to the same destination so it’s just a question of providing access to transit from where they live and when they need to commute.  Those living within walking distance of one or two potential bus stops could commute by Connector bus.   Connector buses could also provide transit from Microsoft funded P&R lots near where employees live.   (Its likely less expensive creating parking  there than on campus)  

In some areas Microsoft, rather than constructing a P&R, could provide transit via driverless vans.   A single trip by 500 12-passenger van would eliminate 5500 vehicles and over 16,000 if each van could make three trips during the morning and afternoon commutes.  Microsoft could adjust employee work schedules to facilitate the different route times.   Again eliminating the driver would reduce the cost and each van could provide Wi-Fi access  to allow employees to make use of commute time.

Microsoft employees would benefit from avoiding the costs of driving, Microsoft would benefit by reduced costs for parking and employee use of Wi-Fi during commute, and east side residents using local roads and others using major roads would benefit from reduced congestion.

Microsoft should be encouraged to do so.