Smart Commute Week
May 15-21, 2010
Overview | Planned Activities | Commuter Resources | Employer Resources | Useful Links | News & Press | Contact Us
Smart Commute Week takes place from May 15 through May 21, 2010. It is a national movement, also referred to as Green Commute Week, which is often held in conjunction with Bike-to-Work Week.
The goal of Smart Commute Week is to promote alternative ways of getting to work and around town. Smart Commute Week also seeks to educate employees and employers about the benefits of using these alternative modes of transportation. Smart commuting includes carpools, vanpools, public transportation (where available), walking, biking, telecommuting, and working a flexible schedule.
During Smart Commute Week, the Nashua Regional Planning Commission will offer activities for employers as well as the general public. The goal of these activities is to inspire a change in commuting behavior that lasts beyond the week. While the exact details of NRPC’s Smart Commute Week activities are still being determined, expected events include:
Milford Event ~ Saturday May 15
This will serve as a kick-off to Smart Commute Week with the goal of educating the public on the importance of the initiative and ways they can participate.
Employer Activities ~ May 17-21
Beginning in January, NRPC will work with employers in the region to develop Smart Commute Week activities at their businesses. These may include prizes and incentives for participating workers, challenges with other businesses, educational events, and breakfast parties. Businesses will run these activities during Smart Commute Week with support from NRPC staff. If your business is interested in participating, please contact Camille Pattison, 603-424-2240 x14.
Exit 8 Park & Ride Event ~ Monday May 17
This morning event will focus on users of the Exit 8 Park & Ride facility for carpool and bus transportation. The goal is to thank current users and provide incentives for new users. Anticipated activities include food, educational materials, and raffles.
Downtown Nashua Event ~ Friday May 21
We anticipate holding a morning event in downtown Nashua that will serve as the culmination of Smart Commute Week. The goal is to encourage participants to arrive at the event en-route to work using Smart Commute methods.
Driving by yourself isn’t the only way to get to work, even if you live in an area without public transportation. Below are a number of “smart commute” options that will save you time and money while making your travels more enjoyable.
Carpool
Carpools are an easy way to share a ride, saving time and money. Carpooling helps to cut travel costs, including gas, vehicle maintenance, and perhaps even your insurance premiums. It also decreases congestion, improves air quality, and makes commuting more enjoyable. You can find a carpool partner using resources provided through your employer or NH Rideshare, which is a free commuter matching service provided by the NH DOT.
Vanpools typically consist of 7 or more commuters who live and work relatively close to one another and work roughly the same hours. Riders pay a low monthly fare based on their average daily roundtrip mileage. Fees typically cover the vehicle lease, maintenance, insurance, gas, parking, and tolls. Drivers are commuters who volunteer to drive the vanpool in exchange for a reduced rate. Vanpools select several pick-up points based on where passengers live, and are often park & ride facilities along major roadways. Based on figures provided by the American Automobile Association (AAA), vanpooling fees are only about 20% of the cost of driving alone to work, making it a smart option for your wallet.
Riding the bus is a good option for those living and working in Nashua. Citybus is the Nashua Transit System’s fixed route bus service covering the most populated neighborhoods as well as commercial and industrial areas in Nashua. Citybus rates are $1.00 for adults and reduced fare monthly passes with unlimited rides and ten-ride ticket books are also available. Citybus offers 7 daytime routes that cover a large portion of the City of Nashua. Citybus service operates from 6:15AM to 6:45PM Monday through Friday and from 9:00AM to 5:45PM on Saturday. For more information visit www.gonashua.com.
Photo: City of Nashua
Save money, help the environment, and improve your health all during your commute. What’s more, you’ll never have to worry about where to park. There are a number of resources available for those who wish to commute by bike to work. The League of American Bicyclists’ website and your local bike shop are great resources.
Telecommuting allows employees to work from a location other than the usual place of business, such as their home or a satellite office. Telecommuting policies vary by employer and telecommuters may work from this alternative location on a full time or part time basis. Flexible work schedules allow employees to avoid the typical 9:00-5:00 commuter rush and instead start work earlier or later in the day.
Emergency Rides Home
Many commuters are hesitant not to have their own vehicle at work in case they need to leave unexpectedly during the day. Emergency Ride Home programs offer participants in Smart Commute programs with a guaranteed ride home in the event of an emergency, such as an ill family member, or change in schedule, such as unexpected overtime.
During Smart Commute Week, the Nashua Regional Planning Commission will be working with employers to hold special events and provide incentives for their employees to utilize smart commute options. NRPC will also help interested employers to establish long-term smart commute programs that will encourage continued participation beyond Smart Commute Week.
Why Offer a Smart Commute Program?
More attractive workplace for recruits—employees prefer companies that offer flexibility and options in commuting.
Better employee retention—employees who are happy with their commutes are more likely to stay in their jobs, saving the company money in recruiting and training costs.
Increased employee productivity —employees who enjoy easier commutes are more likely to arrive on time and be more relaxed than those who drive alone.
Reduced parking requirements—decreased demand for employee parking opens spaces for customers and visitors. In cases where employers pay for their employees’ parking privileges, offering alternative commute methods saves employers money.
Reduced tax burden--there are federal payroll tax benefits for both employers and employees to promote certain forms of smart commuting, such as vanpools, transit, and even biking.
Corporate Responsibility—smart commuting options take cars off the road, reducing air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and congestion. Furthermore, companies that offer smart commute programs demonstrate a clear support for sustainability and improve their public image.
Related Documents
Smart Commute Employer Overview
Implementing Carpool Incentive Programs
Implementing Commuter Tax Benefits
Implementing Parking Cash Out
Implementing Telework Programs
Implementing Transit and Vanpool Benefits
Implementing Vanpool Benefits
Marketing Smart Commute Benefits to Employees
Strategies for Increasing the Effectiveness of Commuter Benefits Programs
Best Workplaces for Commuters
Bike Walk Alliance of NH
Granite State Wheelmen
Green Commuting Tips from Planet Green
League of American Bicyclists
Nashua Transit System
NH DOT Bicycle/Pedestrian Information Center
Smart Commuting in the News
"For Telecommuters, It's Not About Going to Work," National Public Radio, 2/9/10
"Snow Paralyzes Federal Government," National Public Radio, 2/9/10
NRPC Press Releases
"Nashua Regional Planning Commission Prepares for Smart Commute Week," NRPC, 1/28/10
If you would like additional information on Smart Commute Week, please contact Jill Longval.
If your business is interested in participating, please contact Camille Pattison, 603-424-2240 x14 to set up an introductory meeting.
Links
Nashua Regional Planning Commission
9 Executive Park Drive, Suite 201
Merrimack, NH 03054
Phone ~ 603.424.2240 | Fax ~ 603.424.2230