| Employees can and will use an option that adds value and fits with their work schedule, family commitments and interests, even if only one day a week.
Through a free on-site commute option analysis, review of employee schedules, and optional employee survey, MetroPool will identify which commute options might be suited to your work location and your employees. Once your commuter mobility program is in place, MetroPool will hold one-on-one consultations with your employees to help them determine their best commute choice. Several options require some employer flexibility. But bending policy slightly to accommodate a solid commuter mobility program is worth its weight in improved morale.
Carpooling
Carpooling is a popular and easy option, and is often done on a part-time basis. Carpooling occurs when two or more people share the ride in a private vehicle, either sharing driving responsibilities or sharing the cost. Good carpooling candidates work set hours at least one day a week, can adjust their work schedules to match those of other potential carpool partners and prefer to spend commute time reading, socializing or napping rather than stressing out alone behind the wheel.
Vanpooling
Vanpooling requires more organization than carpooling, but can be the best value for the long-distance commuter. For a vanpool, seven to fifteen people meet (usually at one or several park and ride lots) and share the ride in a van that is owned or leased by a vanpooler or vanpoolers, an employer, or contracted on a month-to-month basis from a third-party vanpool provider. Vanpooling generally requires a full-time (or at least consistent) commitment on the part of a majority of the riders. Vanpoolers usually live more than thirty miles away from work, work fixed hours, like to socialize, and are interested in saving money.
Bus
Taking the bus is an excellent choice for commuters who live less than fifteen miles from work and have easy access to the bus on both ends of their commute. Some bus lines provide park and ride service at the home end of the trip. The best transit candidates live near a transit stop, do not have a car available (or wish to save wear and tear on their car), and have a work schedule that is compatible with the bus operating hours or can flex their hours to accommodate bus schedules. Bus riders can sit back, relax, and enjoy the reliable, low-cost ride.
Train
Commuters who travel by train move past the traffic while they read, nap, or work during their trip. A choice of trains is generally available during peak commuter hours to fit any work schedule. Trains provide a reliable and relaxing trip and are a good choice for commuters who can ride a shuttle from home or a park-and-ride lot, get dropped off or park at a train station in the morning and can either walk, take a bus or taxi, or board a public or employer-provided shuttle from the train station to their worksite.
Bicycling or Walking
Bicycling or walking to work lets employees reduce stress by getting exercise during their commute. Walkers usually live up to three miles from work; bicyclists four to ten miles (or farther for the enthusiast). If the route includes local streets, bike lanes and good sidewalks, these options are a popular choice for commuters who can't normally find the time to exercise. Showers, lockers or other amenities at the worksite can make it easier to walk or bike to work. Programs may be available in your area to fund these items.
Compressed Work Week
A compressed work week can be a big benefit to the employee and to your operation as well. A compressed work week schedule permits employees to finish their usual number of work hours in fewer days per week or pay period, resulting in reduced commute trips to the worksite. Whatever the compressed work schedule, your company could benefit from extended customer service hours, better communication with facilities in other time zones and enhanced employee productivity through improved employee morale.
Telecommuting
Telecommuting allows an employee to work at home (usually one to three days per week.) Telecommuting candidates are employees who are self-motivated, well organized, experienced and have jobs suitable for working at home. Starting a telecommuting demands planning, but the benefits to both the employer and employee - increased productivity, reduced parking and overhead costs - are worth the work.
Contact MetroPool to put us to work for you.
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