Environmental Issue: Pollution, congestion and road repair costs from driving cars (just to name a few) are some of the major issues.
Environmental Benefit: By offering an easy, affordable alternative to employees you can often tip the scales in favor of public transportation thus reducing traffic and green house gas emissions. Even if you pass the cost directly to your employees it is less expensive for them than attaining the pass themselves. Additionally, even if an employee uses the pass just a handful of times - such as taking the bus to the airport during the holidays - it pays for itself!
Other Benefits: Having a pre-paid pass creates the opportunity for riders to use their pass where they typically wouldn't. For example, if an employee buys the Eco-pass to commute for work they are more likely to use public transportation for getting around because the additional cost is zero. Additionally employers are allowed to provide up to $120 per month as a tax-free transit fringe benefit to employees.
Cost and complexities: Due to financial constraints the admission into this program is somewhat flux.
Implementation Plan:
- Request application from the RTD Web site
- Designate a coordinator for the Eco-Pass process internally
- Complete the application and Provide RTD with a list of names on your payroll
- RTD will approve you
- Send RTD payment (Depends on company size and zone)
- RTD will send you a welcome kit
- Each employee with fill out and sign a form. Your designated coordinator will also sign this form
- Each employee will take their completed form to specified bus stations to get a photo taken and their pass created. The employee will need the form and their driver's license
- Lastly the coordinator will give the employee their sticker to validate their pass
Where to Purchase: Mail requests to:
RTD
Eco Pass Accounting Department
PO Box 9769
Denver, CO 80209
Mail overnight special delivery to:
RTD
Eco Pass Accounting Department
1900 31st Street
Denver, CO 80216
303.299.2132