RESOURCES & HELPFUL LINKS
May 15-21, 2010
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
Links
Nashua Regional Planning Commission
9 Executive Park Drive, Suite 201
Merrimack, NH 03054
Phone ~ 603.424.2240 | Fax ~ 603.424.2230