There is a long checklist of reasons why companies are opting to implement employee shuttle programs. Listed here are a few that will help you see why more and more companies are acquiring this particular employee benefit and seeing the returns that it brings.
1. Lessens the challenge of government compliance
Many state and regional governments require employers to offer Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) programs to reduce SOV commuting and achieve better air quality, such as AQMD’s Rule 2202. In urban areas, companies may find SOV reduction a condition of zoning approval.
2. Enhanced employee productivity & general well-being
Downtime on the shuttle offers employees some time to get ready for the day to come, whether that includes opting to rest and relax, check email, or catch up on the news. They get to the office ready to transition more rapidly to work mode. Over the long term, the shuttle can decrease stress-related health problems associated with driving in traffic that lead to missed work and health claims– check out this TIME Magazine article on 10 Things Your Commute Does To Your Body.
3. Company incentive for recruiting and retention
A company shuttle is a great differentiating factor when it comes to enticing new hires or reducing turnover. Along with the health and wellness benefits, employees save money on gas and vehicle costs, which is money in their pockets. Recognition is available through designations including Best Workplaces for Commuters.
4. Qualify for IRS non-taxable Fringe Benefits
Section 132(f) of the Federal tax code allows tax-free transportation fringe benefits of up to $130 per month per employee for transit or vanpool expenses. Employees obtain more from tax-free transportation fringe benefits than from a comparable salary increase since they do not pay federal income or payroll taxes on the value of the fringe benefit. Find out more from the National Center for Transit Research.
5. Cost savings
Providing your employees a commuter shuttle may be a less expensive alternative to expending mileage or building infrastructure like a new parking deck. Several states also provide employers with tax credits for offering commuter benefit programs.
6. Stronger workplace satisfaction and corporate identity
Be considered as a great place to work, one that cares about their employees and supports the work-life balance. Employees also learn more about one another better, including coworkers outside their normal work sphere, helping them feel more connected and fostering a sense of teamwork. There are a number of benefits to loyal employees!
7. Go green
Encouraging your employees not to drive themselves to work not only helps with SOV compliance but dramatically reduces your carbon footprint. The San Francisco County Transportation Authority estimates the existing shuttles in that area to replace roughly 757,000 single-passenger car trips and save a net 28.7 million VMT (vehicle miles traveled).
An employee shuttle is such a great help for a company to help minimize the cost and increased the productivity of each employee. If you’re an employer and want to invest in employee shuttles, then you can seek help from a reliable motorcoach companies such as Pullman to Seattle bus of Wheatland Express to start this new trend.
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