Employer Commute Programs

Commute programs reduce employee turnover and improve employee well-being. In a 2016 survey by the Association for Commuter Transportation, 60 percent of employers with under 1,000 employees reported that commute programs improved corporate image and increased recruitment and retention. 35 percent of respondents saw improved employee productivity.

What is a Commute Program?

A commute program is a resource for your employees to help ease their commute, with the goal of reducing drive-alone trips to your worksite. Employees are motivated to change their commute behavior when actively encouraged by their employer. The best commute programs are designed around where employees live and work.

Example Commute Program Resources

• Transit subsidies
• Secure on-site bicycle storage
• Locker rooms with showers
• Telework policy
• Portable computers and network connectivity
• Flexible scheduling and compressed work weeks
• Allowing employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for transit and vanpool payments
• Guaranteed ride home program

Getting Started

Setting up a commute program can be done internally or with help from a county transportation coordinator, contractor, or a city or locational transportation management association.

You will want to start with a survey of your employees to see what their current commute habits are, where they are commuting from, and what type of commute program works best for them. 

County Transportation Coordinators

Contra Costa, Napa, San Mateo, and Solano transportation coordinators provide one-on-one assistance with transportation management professionals to help you create a commute program that fits your business’s needs.

These organizations may offer benefits - such as subsides for bicycle storage or electric chargers, guaranteed ride home programs, and cash-rewards - that encourage your employees to commute sustainably through your program.

For areas or counties not listed, visit 511.org for resources.

Transportation Coordinators:

• Alameda – Alameda County Transportation Commission
• Contra Costa – 511 Contra Costa
• Marin – Marin Commutes
• Napa – V Commute
• San Francisco – San Francisco Department of the Environment
• San Mateo – Commute.org
• Solano – Solano Mobility
• Sonoma – Go Sonoma