informational webinar - 511.org
TRANSCRIPT
Informational Webinar
July 29, 2014
David Burch & Jackie Winkel Bay Area Air Quality Management District
Christine Maley-Grubl Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Linda Furnas 511 Regional Rideshare Program
Background
• Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program now in effect – New Regulation 14, Rule 1 serves as foundation for Program
– Adopted by Air District Board & ratified by MTC Commission in March 2014
• Developed pursuant to Senate Bill 1339
• Modeled on local ordinances in several Bay Area cities
• Employers must comply by offering one of four commuter benefit options by September 30
• Pilot program: 2014 - 2016
Goals & Anticipated Outcomes
• Take advantage of federal commuter tax benefits that provide tax savings to employers & employees – Employers save $$ on payroll taxes
– Employees save $$ on transit/vanpool fares
• Expand the number of employers that make commuter benefits available to their employees
• Improve air quality & protect the climate
• Reduce traffic congestion
Who Needs to Comply?
• Employers with 50+ full-time employees in the Bay Area Private business
Public agency
Non-profit organization
• Count based on all Bay Area worksites combined Including branch locations with less
than 50 employees
10
20
25
Who Qualifies as an Employee?
• Employee: Anyone who receives a W-2 form for tax purposes
• Full-time employees: Employees who work at least 30 hours per week (excluding seasonal/temporary and field employees).
• Covered employees: Employees must offer the commuter benefit to all “covered employees” who work at least 20 hours per week.
Seasonal/Temporary & Field Employees
Exemptions:
• Seasonal/temporary employees: employees who work 120 days per year or less are exempt from the employee definition
• Field employees: employees who do not report to a permanent worksite are also exempt (per 6/12/14 Compliance Advisory)
When these exemptions are applied for the purpose of counting the number of full-time employees, some employers may not be subject to the rule.
Implementation Objectives
• Maximize flexibility for employers:
– provide commuter benefits that make sense for your business & your employees
• Minimize reporting & administrative requirements
• Provide information & resources to help employers understand & comply with Program requirements
Program Requirements
Key Requirements (by September 30, 2014):
• Select one of the four commuter benefit options
• Designate a commuter benefits coordinator
• Register online: 511.org, click on Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program
• Notify employees & make commuter benefit available
• Provide information needed for Program evaluation
• There are no performance standards
Four Commuter Benefit Options
• Option 1: Pre-tax payroll deduction for transit or vanpool – Up to maximum allowed by IRS (currently $130 per month)
– Employers save $ on payroll taxes
– Employees save $ on transit/vanpool fares
• Option 2: Direct subsidy for transit or vanpool (or transit pass) – Maximum subsidy required is $75 per month
• Option 3: Employer-provided transportation – Bus, shuttle, vanpool
• Option 4: Alternative commuter benefit
Option 4: Alternative Commuter Benefit
• Good option in areas with limited transit service
• Provides flexibility & choices for employers
• Promote alternative commute modes such as carpooling, bicycling, walking
• Alternative must be as effective as Options 1-3
• Employer can propose an alternative benefit
• Or employer can select from menu of measures
Option 4: Menu of Measures
Primary Measures Carpool Subsidy ($3/day)
Bicycle Subsidy ($20/month)
Telework Program
Compressed Work-Week
Parking Cash-Out
Electric Vehicle Implementation
Option 4A: Choose one primary & two secondary measures Option 4B: Choose four secondary measures
Secondary Measures Employer-specific carpool match service (free)
Emergency Ride Home program
Preferred parking for carpools
Secure, on-site bicycle parking
Showers/lockers for bicyclists/walkers
Employer-sponsored Bike Share Program
Employee commuting “awards” program
On-site amenity (cafe, ATM, childcare, etc.)
Provide real-time commuting info
Lunchtime shuttle
Registration process
• On-line registration process: www.511.org then go to: Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program
• Employer ID # needed to register: If you need ID #, contact [email protected] or Michelle Mah, Help Line Specialist, PH: 510-273-3680
• Report via registration form: • Bay area worksite locations
• Employee count
• Commuter benefit option selected
• How employees will be notified
Program Landing Page on
Employer Assistance Available
• Employer assistance through 511 webpage Employer Guide / Option 4 Guide Frequently Asked Questions Profiles of Employer programs Video with Program overview
• Phone Help Line for employers - Call 511
• Free employer assistance available in each County: Alameda, Marin, Santa Clara, and Sonoma Counties – 511 Regional Rideshare
Program Contra Costa County – 511 Contra Costa San Mateo County – Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance San Francisco County – San Francisco Department of the Environment Solano and Napa County – Solano/Napa Commuter Information
Employer Assistance Available
• 511 Transportation Professionals are available to help you implement the Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program
• Employer commute program development and design – Customizable on-line surveys & survey reports
– Help in evaluating commuter benefit options
• Density mapping (where do your employees live?)
• Vanpool formation
• Carpool and Green Commute incentives
• Telework and Compressed Work Week information
Overview
• Commuter Benefit Program is good for the economy & environment
• Reduce taxes for both employer & employees
• Recruit & retain good employees
• Increase use of transit, ridesharing, biking, walking
• Reduce traffic congestion
• Improve air quality and protect the climate
• Deadline to comply – September 30
Go to 511.org, click on
Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program
Contact:
or
Michelle Mah, Help Line Specialist
PH: 510-273-3680
For Additional Information