Two North Seattle businesses, Adobe Systems and Northwest Hospital, won 1998 Commuter Challenge "Diamond Awards" for leadership in efforts to reduce commute trips.

In July of last year, Adobe Systems moved its 500 Seattle employees from Pioneer Square to its new campus in Fremont's Quadrant Lake Union Center. Employee transportation coordinator, Craig Snyder, made it his goal to encourage employees to use alternative transportation. A company survey found that half of its employees already use an alternatuve commute mode. By offering its employees a FlexPass, which subsidizes 100 percent of transit and vanpool fares, Adobe Systems was able to increase the number to 75%.

Tom McIntire, a systems analyst, drives a carpool in an electric car. Adobe allows McIntire to recharge his vehicle in the parking garage.

Because of Adobe's strategic location on Lake Union, John Cornicello, also a systems analyst, can navigate his kayak from his houseboat.

Northwest Hospital, located in the Haller Lake neighborhood, was recognized for its "Transit" program, which encourages employees to commute to work via bus or car or vanpools. General manager Diane di Furia and Employee Transportation Coordinator Gaylen Krebs were present to receive the award.

Seventeen King County company locations in all received awards. To learn more about the program, call Commuter Challenge at 389-8650 or visit the website at www.TheWinners.com.