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Commuter Choice is a package of transportation benefits provided by
an employer. The
best package to offer depends on your employees’ unique
needs, but the package may include:
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Pre-tax deductions for alternative
transportation
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Alternative/flexible schedules (9/80,
4/10)
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Flexible work start/end times
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Extra vacation time for using alternative
mode commutes
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Regular raffles
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Ability to telecommute (part- or
full-time)
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Discounted or free transit passes
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Parking cash-out (choice of cash instead
of free parking spot)
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Carpool or Vanpool cash or
cash-equivalent incentives
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Preferential carpool/vanpool parking
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Bike racks
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Secure bike parking (lockers;
secured-access area)
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Showers and clothes lockers
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Subsidy for non-motorized transport
(walking shoes, bike maintenance, etc.)
Put yourself in the shoes of a commuter
Does your organization provide options?
All employees get to work—but whether their commute
is easy or difficult, inexpensive
or costly, comfortable or frustrating,
often depends on the options their employer offers.
Unfortunately, the jobs-housing imbalance in Santa Barbara County
forces many employees to live and work in separate
communities.
Offering commuter benefits allows you to recruit and retain
the best talent for your organization, by increasing the
size of your labor pool and easing the cost and stress of
their commute.
Of course, many people see no alternatives but to drive.
But with a little effort and imagination, you can
help your employees make choices that benefit them, your
company, and our beautiful community.
Put yourself in the shoes of a long-distance Santa Barbara County commuter—which would you
prefer?
COMPANY A:
Our company offers flexible scheduling,
including compressed workweeks (9/80 schedule with a 3-day
weekend every 2 weeks) and part-time telecommuting; flexible
work hours to assist with work-life balance; discounted
company-sponsored vanpools, half-price transit passes for
regional commuter coach busses, and your choice of cash in
hand instead of a “free” parking spot.
OR
COMPANY B: Our company offers inflexible work hours
and no help with your commute.
Even though we are aware of the high cost of housing
and the time and money you spend on your stressful commute,
we feel that your how you get to work is your responsibility
and not our concern.
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