Programs: Commuter Advantage Program

You CAN beat "sky rocketing gas prices", as seen on Fox-8 TV Cleveland.

• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Commuter Advantage Benefits to Employee
• Commuter Advantage Benefits to Employer

With more than 445 companies and organizations and over 10,474 employees now participating countywide, RTA's Commuter Advantage program is a unique opportunity for area employees to enjoy an added discount on public transportation fares.

Average Employee Savings
Average Savings by Riding Instead of Driving (Based on AAA Statistics)	$9,072
Annual Savings with Commuter Advantage (FICA @ 7.65%, Federal @28%, State @ 5%)	$  354
Parking Fees Avoided (Based on Median Downtown Parking Rates)	$1,125
Cost of Monthly Park-N-Ride Pass	($1,020)
Annual Total Savings	$9,531

Employers provide a valued benefit – not only that their employees appreciate – but also one that enhances environmental quality, saves energy, and reduces traffic congestion. They find their workers arrive at work less stressed out, having time available during the inbound commute to read, think, and plan for the day ahead. As more and more employees subscribe to Commuter Advantage, they collectively increase their disposable income and buying power, thereby stimulating the local economy with no increase in compensation. All that, and employers get the competitive edge they need in competitive labor markets. (Employer forms can be viewed and printed here)

Commuter Advantage is easy to implement and manage. Made possible by a provision of the 21st Century Transportation Equity Act of 1998, program rules have been established by the Internal Revenue Service.

Guaranteed Ride Home

Riders participating in Commuter Advantage not only get real savings, they receive a guarantee. In the event the employee must leave work early to address a family emergency, or has to stay late to get that important proposal out in time, RTA guarantees a ride home - by bus, cab, or special dispatch vehicle.

Employees participating in Commuter Advantage are provided a toll-free number to RTA's emergency dispatch operations. In the event no RTA vehicles are in the area, a cab can be used, and RTA will reimburse the rider up to $35. This service is available throughout the year, and can be used up to four times - providing employees the peace of mind that they won't be stranded when the unexpected happens.

How Pre-Tax Transit Benefits Work

Employees enroll in pay roll deduction plans to prepay transit fares on a before-tax basis. Employees save on FICA and Federal and State payroll and income taxes on the amount established for transit fare media purchase. (Consult our Savings Estimator for more details.) Employer's payroll cost is reduced since payroll taxes do not apply to the amount set aside since it's treated as a benefit.

For more information, contact:

Jim Frick, Sales Director
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
1240 West Sixth Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Tel: 216-781-4764
E-mail: njfrick@gcrta.org

www.wageworks.com

WageWorks is the nation's leading provider of commuter benefits. The WageWorks program is designed to reduce administration with features such as easy online ordering and management, plus free home delivery of transit passes. It helps commuters save up to 40% on their commute, and employers save thousands in payroll taxes.

It works for the employee - it works for the employer.

Commuter Advantage Benefits to Employee:

• Employees save money because Commuter Advantage allows them to purchase transit fare with pretax dollars, and employees no longer have to pay for gas, parking and other commuter related costs.
• Employees save time because the passes are delivered to the workplace.
• Provides employees peace of mind with the Guaranteed Ride Home. In the event an employee must leave early to address a family emergency or have to stay late at work, RTA provides a ride home by reimbursing up to a $35 for a cab.

For more information on the benefits of Commuter Advantage or to request registration materials, call Jim Frick, Sales Director, at 216-781-4764.

Commuter Advantage Benefits to Employer:

• Employers save money. For every dollar saved by the employee, the employer's FICA, federal, and state income taxes are reduced.
• Increases employee moral due to the money saved by participating in Commuter Advantage.
• Retains productive employees who choose public transportation.
• A no cost benefit that makes a great perk for the Human Resources Department to offer new and existing employees.

For more information on the benefits of Commuter Advantage or to request registration materials, call Jim Frick, Sales Director, at 216-781-4764.

Click here for a full list of companies participating in the Commuter Advantage program.