Resources for Employers
Sustainable commuting offers companies a multitude of benefits, but it can be difficult to plan. Fortunately, on this page, you can find some free resources to make it easier for you and your employees to develop a program that will save everybody money and time.
In partnership with CTrides, goNHgo has created an employer toolkit to help your office move toward active transport. The toolkit contains a list of essential resources for you to use and distribute to employees.
Quick Links: Printable Brochure CTrides Employer Services Transit Pre-Tax Benefits Guide Best Workplaces for Commuters NuRide
NuRide Sponsorship Guide Healthy City/Healthy Climate Pledge Free Bike Racks for Businesses Zipcar for Business Discount
The City of New Haven Pilots a Cycling Program for Employees
The City of New Haven has been supporting employees who are interested but hesitant about cycling to work with the launch of their pilot program as part of goNewHavengo. The pilot offers employees a range of bike options along with the necessary equipment, repair service, and personalized support (e.g. route-planning, coaching), to give riders the confidence to get out on the road.
We have had significant early interest and if you think your company or organization could benefit from a low-cost, environmentally friendly, and scalable transportation solution, please contact David: david.hutchinson@yale.edu
Useful Tools
CTRides Custom Planning
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and CTrides have developed a family of services to help organizations develop commuter plans. Their professionals will work closely with you and your managers to help put together a successful, custom-designed program of services for your worksite, at no cost to you.
The experts at CTrides identify all available transportation options and help plan practical transportation solutions to suit company schedules and workers' routes. The programs are developed and promotional materials are presented to your employees. We can also help your employees understand their available commute choices. To get started, call 1-877-CTrides (1-877-287-4337).
Transit Pre-Tax Benefits
Want to save money for both your business and your employees? Under Section 132(f) of the tax code, an employee can set aside up to $255 of his or her paycheck per month to pay for transit-related expenses, under the transit commuter pre-tax benefit program. This pre-tax benefit is exempt from both employer and employee payroll taxes (like Social Security, Medicare, and other federal taxes). It can save businesses at least 7.5% on taxes on money set asidfind out exactly how much it can save your business in this guide from CTrides.
To learn more about how the program works, see these handy guides here and here. With help getting your pre-tax benefits program started, call CTrides at 1-877-CTrides (1-877-287-4337) for services like custom planning, above. If your workplace would like to contract with a vendor to administer this cost-saving program for you, a good list of firms can be found here and here.
Zipcar is already a great way to get around New Haven without owning a car. But did you know that Zipcar can also help provide vehicle access from their green vehicle fleet for your business? Learn more about Zipcar for Business or check out how it works and examples of businesses using it now.
As a special offer, all businesses that sign up for goNHgo's September alternative transportation contest will have the Zipcar for Business application fee waived, a savings of $75! Learn more about this offer and how your business can sign up here. Also learn more about further prizes Zipcar is offering in our September contest here.
Zipcar for Business Discount
Bicycle-Friendly Business
Want to attract new customers and talented employees to your business? Becoming a business that supports bicycle travel is a great way to do both! The League of American Bicyclists offers accreditation to Bicycle-Friendly Businesses, workplaces that meet the criteria outlined here. Preview the application here or learn more about the Bicycle-Friendly America Program here.
Staff at the New Haven Department of Transportation, Traffic, and Parking can help your business apply or become more bicycle-friendly in general. Learn more here.
The Department is also offering to install free bike racks at New Haven businesses that request them! Find out how your workplace can get one here and here.
Best Workplaces for Commuters
Best Workplaces for Commuters is a membership program that offers qualified employers national recognition and membership benefits. In order to qualify, employers need to offer some combination of outstanding commuter benefits, including vanpool- or carpool-organizing, discounted bus passes, or telework programs. These programs can easily be organized through CTrides Custom Planning.
The benefits of membership include access to a number of high-level programs, tools, and services, along with nationwide public recognition and advertising. Learn about becoming a member.
NuRide
NuRide is a way for your employees to receive discounts at local restaurants and stores. When you record sustainable trips, you gain points—you can quickly begin accumulating points and getting discounts! A typical, active NuRide member redeems about $300 a year in rewards from active commuting. Encourage your employees to sign up today!
Your business can also sign up for free as a NuRide sponsor and offer discounts and coupons through NuRide. NuRide businesses have seen more than $3,800,000 in special offers redeemed, driving huge amounts of business to your workplace. To "reach thousands of geen commuters who travel by your business every day," "align your business with a meaningful environmental program," and "increase sales and customer loyalty with special offers," see NuRide's sponsorship guide.
Healthy City / Healthy Climate Organization Pledge
The Healthy City/Healthy Climate initiative is a large project to help the citizens and organizations of New Haven become more environmentally friendly. In order to join as an organization, take the pledge, which entails using greater amounts of green energy, encouraging alternative transportation, and supporting healthy eating habits.
