TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
PROGRAMS
RESOURCES
COMMUTE CONNECTION TEAM
Michael
Swearingen
Sr. Regional Planner
Yvette Davis
Associate Regional
Planner
Kari McNickle
Regional Planner
Teresa Garcia
Planner Technician
1-800-52-SHARE
1-800-527-4273
209-235-1094 Tel
209-235-0601 Fax
PROGRAMS
Benefits & Incentives
Whether
you’re an employer attempting to enhance the companies’
environmental strategies or a commuter trying to find ways to save
money, there are many benefits associated with
participating in a rideshare program.
| EMPLOYER | COMMUTER |
|---|---|
| Tax Savings | Cost Savings/Insurance Rates |
| Improved employee
recruitment and retention |
Minimize car maintenance |
| Reduced demand for parking | Preferential parking |
| Access to labor markets | Reduced traffic congestion |
| Enhanced productivity & punctuality | Social aspects |
| Reduced absenteeism | Guaranteed Ride Home |
| Corporate environmental performance & citizenship | Free commuter matchlist | COMMUNITY |
| Improved quality of life | More effective transportation system |
| Improved air quality | Fewer road construction impacts |
Tax Credits
Changes to the federal
tax code have made transportation fringe benefits more appealing
than ever (click
HERE to read more). Four tax advantage transportation benefit options
are available.
Benefits in Addition to Salary: Employers may provide up to $245 per month to employees who commute to work by transit or vanpool or $20 per month to employees who commute to work by bicycle. The employer pays for the benefit and receives the equivalent deduction from business income taxes. Employees receive the benefit completely free of payroll and income taxes, in addition to their current salary. Employers can pay directly for vanpool expenses or purchase transit passes for employees. Alternatively, they can reimburse employees if these passes are not available and the employee provides a receipt.
Benefits Instead of Salary: Employers may permit their employees to set aside up to $245 per month of their pre-tax income to pay for transit and vanpools. Employees save on income taxes since that amount is no longer reported as taxable salary. Employers are able to reduce their payroll costs.
Combination: Employers may share the cost of commuting with their employees. Employers can give their employees part of the cost in addition to salary and allow their employees to set aside part of their pre-tax income to pay the remaining amount. The employer can subsidize any amount, but only $245 per month is tax deductible. Any amount over that is taxable.
Qualified Parking: Employers may offer employees the option of cashing out the value of employer provided parking. Employee may receive up to $245 per month tax free for giving up their parking space.
Vanpool Subsidies
The San Joaquin Council of Governments currently offers newly leased vanpools a subsidy of $150 per month per van for one year ($1,800 total). Origination or destination must be within San Joaquin, Stanislaus or Merced Counties. Visit Enterprise or vRides to get information on starting a new vanpool or contact Commute Connection at 800-52-SHARE.
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) Remove II Vanpool Incentive Program - a $360 subsidy per commuter for vanpool passengers who qualify. Subsidy for vanpools riders for one year to a maximum of three years or $1,080. The commuter must reside within the geographic area of the SJVAPCD and meet a one-way mileage requirement. Other eligibility requirements may apply. For additional information click HERE.
Commute Connection is a Regional Rideshare Agency and a program of the San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG)
Commute Connection Serves the Following Counties:
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY with SJCOG
STANISLAUS COUNTY with StanCOG
MERCED COUNTY with MCAG
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