Saturday, April 12, 2008

8 Strategies for Businesses and Employees To Decrease Commuting Costs

Here are 8 strategies to encouraging alternatives to the “drive-alone” commuter.

1. Take a survey. Find out how your employees get to work. Conduct a simple employee survey to determine their modes of transportation, where they commute from and how long it takes them on average.

2.Discuss commuting. Based on the survey results, talk with employees about the findings and the benefits of using public transit or starting a ride-sharing program as a way to save money and time. With gas prices over the $3.00 mark and rising, there is a tremendous opportunity for commuters to save by taking transit or starting a carpool or vanpool. A comprehensive guide to transit services across the U.S. is available from American Public Transportation Association.

3. Encourage Teamwork. It is no secret that most people do not like change. So, consider offering incentives like flexible schedules to accommodate carpoolers, or prime parking spots for employees willing to double or triple up for their commutes.

4. Promote Transit Savings. IRS tax laws allow companies to offer employees commuter benefit programs, so that they can use up to $105 per month of their pretax earnings to pay for commuting by mass transit or vanpool. Employees who take advantage of these benefits can save up to 30 percent or more on commuting costs, and employers can realize substantial payroll tax savings as well.

5. Illustrate the Benefits. There is no better motivator than the opportunity to save money so, be sure to give your employees a means to see how much they can save. For an easy-to-use online calculator that illustrates what employees can save by sharing a ride. For employees who are considering switching to transit, they can go use this commute cost for a calculation that will show them what they could save.

6. Provide Resources. Most metropolitan regions also have organizations that can assist companies in identifying alternative commuting options for employees. For assistance in locating such an organization, contact the Association for Commuter Transportation.

7. Celebrate Success. Look for examples of how using mass transit and carpools has benefited your company and employees, and recognize those who have contributed as a way to create an incentive for others to follow.

8. Telecommute. Some companies actually encourage this because they can save in building utilities in addition to having a happy employee.

Companies that implement innovative commuting programs are contributing to a significant reduction in vehicle emissions, preserve natural resources and saving their employees money.

I think that more and more companies are going to embrace telecommuting in the coming years as gas becomes more expensive for employees, office space becomes more expensive for employers, and everyone gets increasingly used to collaborating remotely. Anyone else seeing this trend increasing?

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Posted By: Joe on Saturday, April 12, 2008
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Saturday, April 5, 2008

Commuting: Sucking The Life Out of You

How much does your commute cost you each month? More importantly, how much of your personal time do you spend commuting each day to and from work and is it worth it?

Use this to calculator to find out how much it costs you to commute, reguardless if public transportation is available. This will give you a good had number how much you are paying each month.

So the big question, location or time?

I have found that most people simply value living in a bigger houses with bigger kitchens, bigger great rooms, bigger garages (to store junk), bigger basements, higher ceilings, his and hers sinks, walk in closets (for more clothes that we do not need), king size beds, etc. The distance of the commute usually comes second.

In most parts of America, one can live in a small ranch or even a town home close to work or insist on living in a house farther out and spend their free time commuting. The thought of more space and more stuff usually wins out. Classic American consumerism. This is the very same reason we drive SUVs, shop too much, spend too much, etc. Ever wonder why our country is dependent on foreign oil and why our energy costs are skyrocketing?

Most people want to live in bigger and newer houses. These newer digs are farther away from most jobs. Depending on your circumstances, you may find that getting a job closer to home may be worth taking a slightly lower salary if you are saving the money and time. Only you know what is best for your unique situation take all of these different ideas into consideration.

If you decide to take steps to reduce commute costs you may find that you not only saved money, but you have more of your day to do what you want. You might even discover you do have the time to focus on accomplishing a goal you have been putting off because you just could not find the time.

What is the total commute time for you each day? Mine time is 1 hour.

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Posted By: Joe on Saturday, April 05, 2008
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