Companies can encourage their employees to use mass transit by offering tax-free commuter benefits. Employees with access to such programs can use pre-tax dollars to pay for train, subway, and bus passes – saving them money and incenting them out of their cars.
According to a recent study commissioned by TransitCenter, Inc., one in five employees who sign up for tax-free commuter benefits ditches the car in favor of mass transit. The study also indicated that 53% of employees who don’t have access to these benefits would use them if available.
From BusinessWire:
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Four in 10 employees surveyed report that their employers offer tax-free commuter benefits programs
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Among those who reported working at a company offering commuter benefits, 62 percent say they participate in the program
- Among employees who signed up for commuter benefits, 41 percent increased their use of mass transit, and 46 percent increased their mass transit usage during weekends
- 18% of employees enrolled in the program went car-free.
Commuter benefits packages may save employers money in the long run: companies need to maintain fewer parking spaces on site. Employees using mass transit are likely to be healthier and perhaps more productive as a result.
Of course fewer cars on the road benefit us all in terms of reduced pollution, cost of subsidized infrastructure, and individual costs of car ownership.
See also: Public Transportation Could Save the World.
Photo via flickr by Different Wave Photography.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Great! As a Austin area cyclist that has had the privilege to ride with and watch Lance race live. I’m glad he’s putting some effort into doing this.
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I’m an avid cyclist cat 3 and huge supporter of LA. Aussan is “Austin” and “San Antonio” combined. I hope and will help San Antonio strive to mimick Austin’s hike and bike system here in San Antonio. Any support from Austin’s community to San Antonio is much appreciated. Keep it comming Lance!
Thank you,
Blair
San Antonio, TX
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