Frequently Asked Questions - TravelWise Program

 Partners

 Transit

 Carpool

 Bike/Walk

 Telework

 Flexible Work Hours

 Compressed
  Workweeks

 Energy Savings

 Air Quality

 CommuterLink

 UDOT Construction

 Resources and Downloads



What is TravelWise?

TravelWise, also known as Transportation Demand Management (TDM), is a set of strategies or tactics that encourage travelers to use alternatives to driving alone. TravelWise can help reduce congestion, reduce energy consumption, and improve air quality. UDOT and its partners are hard at work addressing challenges to help make our existing transportation system work better. TravelWise tactics include carpools, ridesharing, vanpools, public transit, biking, walking, flexible work schedules, telework and much more. However, we can't do it alone. Strategic committees have been or are being formed, consisting of the Governor's Office, UTA, MPO's, cities, employers, citizens, and activists. We are all working together on the development of the TravelWise Program. Together we can all make TravelWise a success for the future of our state and the future of our children.

What are options for employers and commuters under TravelWise?

  • Mode choices (how) - transit, vanpool, carpool, biking or walking;
  • Schedule choices (when) - staggered hours, flex schedule, compressed workweek;
  • Location/route choices (where) - route planning, telework, live/work, on-site services

Why is the State of Utah promoting TravelWise?

  • Allowing people to get where they need to go, while reducing traffic congestion;
  • Getting more out of public investment in transportation;
  • Helping the state and communities save energy;
  • Helping to improve air quality

How is UDOT working with Utah Transit Authority (UTA) on TravelWise?

UDOT and UTA are partnering with the TravelWise effort and have collaborated on many transit projects in the past, such as FrontRunner Commuter Rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) MAX on 3300 South, and TRAX.

Who else is currently working with the State of Utah on TravelWise?

  • UDOT, UTA, Salt Lake County, Salt Lake City, WFRC, MAG, DAQ, Rio Tinto, University of Utah, REI, Kennecott, Daybreak, many others, and you? Click here for more information about TravelWise partners.

How do programs like TravelWise help save energy, reduce congestion and improve air quality?

By many of us participating, we can reduce our vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and reduce traffic congestion, which in effect will reduce our gas consumption and help improve air quality. There are several national and international programs like TravelWise that demonstrate the State of Utah could achieve a reduction in energy up to 35%. Click here for more information.

What other states or cities are implementing major TDM programs similar to TravelWise?

There are many states, cities, and countries that have significant TDM programs similar to TravelWise. A few are listed below, with a link to their websites.

Who is going to pay for implementation of TravelWise?

The State of Utah, as part of the UDOT's overall program, together with its transportation partners is committed to implementing the Travel Wise program. Each and every one of us has a role in the success of the Travel Wise program.

Who can I contact about TravelWise's efforts?

For more information about TravelWise visit www.travelwise.utah.gov, call the hotline at 1-888-920-WISE or send us an e-mail at TravelWise@utah.gov.

Where can I go to find more information about programs similar to TravelWise?

Frequently Asked Questions for Employers

Why should my business get involved in TravelWise?

It's almost common sense; when employees are happy, they work harder, they're more efficient, and they're more dedicated. And that's what makes employers happy. The strategies put forth as part of TravelWise are great ways to provide employees with additional "perks," including financial savings, while increasing efficiency and productivity. And hey, you'll be doing us all a service by helping to reduce energy consumption, improve air quality and reduce traffic.

What are the costs for employers to implement approaches under TravelWise?

  • Costs involve administration/coordination of programs and subsidies for transit passes, vanpools, also costs for teleworking (computers, etc), bike racks, lockers, showers, etc.

What are the benefits for employers to implement approaches under TravelWise?

  • Retainage of current employees and recruitment of future employees
  • Reduced employee absenteeism
  • Increased employee productivity (scheduled arrivals/departures, effective telework reduces interruptions)
  • Employee health/morale (bike/walk activity, reduction in driving stress, flexibility)
  • Reduced employee turnover
  • Decreased parking needs/costs
  • Lower operational/infrastructure costs (for options such as telework, staggered or compressed hours)
  • Enhanced community relations/corporate social responsibility

What incentives are available to my business for using TravelWise?

Currently, there are Pre-Tax Transit Benefits. Any employer may pay up to $115 pre-tax dollars per month to pay for employees' transit use or public vanpool. Beginning January 1, 2009, employers may also pay up to $20 pre-tax dollars per month to pay for reasonable bicycle commuting costs. By taking advantage of this program businesses can provide an incentive to their employees which can save any where from 25 - 39% in taxes based on their federal, state and F.I.C.A. tax rates. Employees can receive this benefit pre-tax, saving taxes for both the business and employee.

Are there going to be further programs and incentives created to encourage employees to TravelWise?

Further programs and incentives will continue to be explored, evaluated, and possibly implemented as the TravelWise program matures.

What Utah businesses have implemented TravelWise approaches?

  • Novell - Provo, Utah - has implemented a vanpool program that transports 10% of its workforce.
  • University of Utah - Salt Lake City, UT - instituted an "Ed Pass" program with UTA to encourage more student and faculty to commute on transit rather than have to build more parking facilities.
  • ATK Aerospace Structures - Clearfield, UT - entered into an agreement with the Utah Transit Authority to provide ECO Passes to all employees at its Clearfield location.
  • REI - Salt Lake City, UT - encourages commuters to get to work by biking, walking and other means of shared transportation. Program incentives include store discounts and recognition awards, which have increased staff participation to 1/2 during the summer months.

Click here to view more local and national case studies.

How do I determine what TravelWise strategies will work best for my company?

UDOT and its transportation partners provide TravelWise information on their websites including best practices from employers around the country. UDOT will also be working with interested employers, helping them tailor a TravelWise program that fits their business best. For more information send an email request to TravelWise@utah.gov or call hotline 1-888-920-WISE.

Frequently Asked Questions for Commuters

I drive to work, why should I participate in TravelWise?

  • You can save yourself money by ridesharing or vanpooling, or using public transit
  • You can spend less time driving and read, sleep, work or just relax on your commute to work
  • You can avoid "rush hour traffic congestion" by utilizing flexible work hours
  • You can save yourself 1-2 hours per day by teleworking
  • You can stay fit by actively commuting to work by bicycle or walking

How will I get somewhere if I have an emergency or have to work late?

  • Talk with your employer about Emergency Ride/Guaranteed Ride Home programs
  • Car-sharing
  • Access to vanpool for occasional emergencies

How are the needs of special populations such as the disabled, elderly, low-income, welfare recipients, addressed by TravelWise?

  • Reduced commuting costs
  • Subsidies for transit passes, vanpools
  • Emergency Ride/Guaranteed Ride Home programs
  • Access to vanpool for occasional emergencies

How do I find out about TravelWise options for commuting to work in my area?

Visit the "Commuter" Tab on this website or CommuterLink.utah.gov for traffic information.