For years, companies have been subsidizing drivers. They’ve built parking lots, given workers free parking, paid mileage, even provided company cars. But today, with congestion and pollution in mind, those perks seem antiquated.Instead, consider providing the people who work in your store or practice with a transit pass instead. It’s not something everyone will want, but then, neither is free parking. Any staff member who does start taking the bus or subway to work will be helping to reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and smog.
A transit pass can be a great benefit, and a monthly pass is frequently less expensive than a month of downtown parking. And just think of how stressful the morning commute is when you’re behind the wheel. Leaving the driving to someone else could help you relax, which would be good for your health and for the patients you deal with.
Bus passes are tax-deductible
If providing passes is a bit out of your reach right now, consider offering a subsidy. Since 2006, Canadians have been able to claim transit passes as non-refundable tax credits. The deduction knocked about $180 off a year’s worth of $100 montly passes, according to Revenue Canada. With an employer subsidy and the tax credit, taking transit becomes a pretty appealing option, compared to the cost of maintenance, gas and parking for a car.
Subsidies for employer-provided passes
Some municipalities are trying to make employer discount programs even more attractive. Winnipeg, for example, has the Eco-Pass program. The city of almost 700,000 will rebate one-third of the amount an employer discounts transit passes sold to employees, as long as the discount offered to the worker is at least 30 percent. Companies that participated saw transit ridership jump by 45 percent, and the city estimates that the program has cut greenhouse gas emissions by 150 tonnes annually.
Ottawa has a similar Ecopass program.