It's common sense that 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. Plus, you'll be doing us all a service by helping to reduce energy consumption, improve air quality and reduce traffic.

Studies have shown that employers who implement TravelWise strategies have higher employee retention rates, reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, better employee morale, decreased parking needs/costs, lower operational/infrastructure costs and enhanced community relations. A company offering TravelWise options is also able to better recruit new employees.

UDOT and its transportation partners provide TravelWise information on their websites to help companies make informed decisions about which strategies meet the needs of their employees and clients. The TravelWise team will also be working with interested employers, helping them tailor a TravelWise program to fit the needs of their business. For more information send an email request to TravelWise@utah.gov.

The cost of implementing TravelWise strategies varies depending on the size of the company, the types of strategies used and the scale to which those strategies are implemented. Many strategies can be put into place at a minimal cost to the business. Typical expenses incurred by a company are for overseeing the program administration/coordination, as well as for any subsidies provided to employees for transit passes or vanpools. Costs may also include purchasing computer hardware and/or software for teleworking, and installing bike racks, lockers, showers, etc. for active transportation users. Check with your accountant or HR representative to see which, if any, of these expenses are tax deductible.

Currently, there are pre-tax transit benefits available for employers. This means an 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, in turn, can receive this benefit pre-tax, which saves money for both the business and the employee.

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

Yes! The TravelWise program is always looking to form partnerships with companies. Click here to find out how you can become a partner with TravelWise.