Midwest Commuter Choice

Today's commuting environment significantly impacts economic vitality, productivity and quality of life. This is why more employers are turning to Commuter Choice to expand the availability of commuter alternatives for employees. It ensures the viability of real "choice" in how people get around.

Commuter Choice is a national partnership between government and businesses that helps create customized solutions to employees' commuting challenges. Commuter Choice can also include communities working with residents, schools working with students, and developers working with future tenants to provide and promote choices for travelers.

Citizens for Modern Transit and MARC have teamed up with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 to offer Midwest Commuter Choice, an employer-provided commuter benefits program. Midwest Commuter Choice recognizes employers that have taken voluntary steps to promote alternatives to driving alone for the commute to work. The program is adaptable to a wide range of businesses, organizations and government agencies.

Read testimonials from other employers who use RideShare's services.

Why Your Company Should Offer Commuter Benefits

• Reduces demand for employee parking spaces, which saves maintenance and leasing costs
• Reduces payroll taxes if transit or vanpool benefit programs are instituted
• Provides good corporate standing in the community
• Increases employee productivity and reduces stress levels
• Conserves fossil fuels and improves air quality
• Reduces traffic congestion
• Enhances employee benefits package, which assists in recruitment and retention
• Prevents businesses from having to enact additional pollution controls to maintain air quality compliance

Ways to Strengthen Your Program

• Offer the Guaranteed Ride Home benefit to commuters using transportation alternatives
• Share the cost of a ride with transit subsidy programs, pre-payroll tax deductions, selling bus passes onsite, etc.
• Promote teamwork by instituting perks for ridesharers
• Offer flexible work schedules to employees
• Promote healthy commute alternatives to reduce sick time
• Appoint an onsite Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) that can answer questions employees have about your company's transportation program

Companies That Meet the Standards

Various companies in the Kansas City region have met the standards for the Midwest Commuter Choice Program and have received special recognition from the EPA and the Mid-America Regional Council. (Find out if your company's efforts already qualify for the program by reviewing this checklist.)

With Commuter Choice, employers and communities across the country are turning commuting challenges into opportunities where everyone benefits. Employers and employees are encouraged to come up with creative solutions to reduce congestion and improve the air quality in the region.

In order to help you promote the Midwest Commuter Choice program to your employees, RideShare can provide several marketing options. For more information, contact us or call 816/842-RIDE

KC COMMUTER COMPANIES

Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
American Century Investments
American Public Works Association
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas City
Discovery Center
Faultless Laundry
Federal Transit Administration
Hallmark Cards
HNTB Corporation
Jackson County Circuit Court
Kansas City Missouri Public Works
Kingswood
Transamerica
Housing and Urban Development, Kansas City office
State Street
JP Morgan