How to Start a Commuter Benefit Program

A Commuter Benefit Program is valued by employees and can be cost-effective as well as easy to administer. For any company, the best way to start a successful program is to ask a few key questions:

• What commute options are your employees likely to use?
• How many employees will be able to participate in the program, and which employees?
• What is the budget for the commuter benefit program?
• How much administrative time is your company willing to commit to the program?
• What does your company hope to accomplish with a commuter benefit program?

Here are some examples of how a company can combine various commute program elements to meet specific needs:

If your company wants to decrease the cost of bus passes to employees who commute by bus, consider:

• allowing employees to use pre-tax income to purchase their bus pass, and
• matching the employee contribution with a small subsidy.

If your company wants to increase the number of employees who commute by bus -- to manage tight parking, for example -- consider:

• providing a subsidy for all or a portion of your employees' passes,
• allowing employees to use pre-tax income to purchase the remaining portion of their bus pass,
• providing the Home Free Guarantee for employees who commute by bus, and
• posting a commute options board with bus information.

For additional assistance fill out the company information form or contact Employer Services by e-mail employer.program@kingcounty.gov or by phone 206-263-3444.