Area businesses face many challenges in hiring quality employees. Reliable transportation is often a concern for employees. RTA offers employers options for funding and/or arranging transportation services to help recruit and retain employees.

Employer programs range from dedicated corporate vanpool pre-tax Mobility Check vouchers to the EasyRide Commuter Choice program. RTA assists in surveying employees and creating the ideal program. Offering transit options for employees often leads to improved attendance and punctuality.

Private employers, non-profit organizations, public agencies and the federal government can provide tax-free commuter transit benefits to employees under current IRS rules:

• Transit, regional rail, and vanpools are qualified transportation commuting benefits according to IRS Publication 15-B.
• Employers can cover up to $120 per month for an employee’s actual transit or vanpooling commuting costs.
• Employers can share the costs with employees, who can use pre-tax dollars to pay their share.
• The payroll tax savings alone usually more than covers administration costs.
• Individuals, who use commuter transit benefits, reduce their commuting costs and receive a tax benefit.
• Some insurance companies offer discounts to motorists who use commuter transit.

For additional information on how commuter transit benefits can add to your company’s bottom line, contact Eric Beyer at 615-880-3931 or email Eric.Beyer@nashville.gov.