The COMMUTER CHOICE programs that are implemented by the public and private sectors will help to reduce traffic and sustain Oklahoma City’s economic vitality and air quality, therefore preserving and strengthening the quality of life in the city.

Try alternative transportation and leave the worrying to us!

MISSION
The COMMUTER CHOICE program will develop and promote transportation programs that encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation to improve air quality and decrease traffic congestion in the greater Oklahoma City area.

Alternative transportation has a lot of advantages over driving alone. First, it saves money on gas, parking and car maintenance. Second, it can be faster and less stressful than fighting rush hour traffic. Finally, having fewer cars on the road is great for our environment!

Hesitant to leave your car at home and use an alternative mode for fear of being stranded? Worry no more! METRO Transit has the solution.

BENEFITS
EMPLOYER BENEFITS
> Enhance the company’s image in the community
> Provide a tax-free benefit to employees
> Reduce parking needs and access problems
> Assist in employee recruitment
> Increase employee productivity and morale
> Reduce employee turnover
EMPLOYER INCENTIVES
> Assist in maintaining compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality regulations
> Free exterior bus panel advertising for a period of one month/year*
> Channel 20 TV PSA-Public Service Announcement recognition
*Depends on company’s level of commitment and space available
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
> Save money
> Reduce stress
> Less wasted time
> Promote good health
> Reduce possibility of accidents
> Opportunity for a tax-free benefit
> Reduce auto insurance rates*
> Guaranteed Ride Home Program
*Varies with each insurance company.
COMMUNITY BENFITS
> Reduce air pollution
> Reduce traffic congestion
> More efficient use of transportation infrastructure
> Reduce energy consumption
> Increase social interaction in the community
> Enhance economic development
WHY?
> On several recent occasions, Oklahoma City has come close to non-compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) air quality standards.
> Non-compliance with EPA air quality standards could mean loss of federal transportation funds for our region.
> Vehicle trips cause nearly 70% of our air pollution.
> A single METRO Transit bus can take as many as 40 vehicles off our roadways.
> The federal government offers a tax incentive to employers participating in a travel reduction program.
> The City of Oklahoma City’s Transit Services Department is ready to help your business and your employees with their transportation needs through the COMMUTER CHOICE program.

COMMUTER CHOICE will save money, reduce stress, reduce traffic congestion, conserve energy and improve the quality of life in our community! Interested employees receive TWO FREE RIDE PASSES with personal trip planning assistance.

COMMUTER BENEFIT PROGRAM
TAX BENEFITS/COMMUTER BENEFITS
> The Commuter Benefit Program is a provision of the Internal Revenue Code that permits an employer to subsidize the employee cost of commuting to work by either bus or vanpool.
> The program is designed to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion, and conserve energy by encouraging employees to commute by means other than single occupancy vehicles.
> Provisions Under Section 132(f) Of The Internal Revenue Code:
An employer can provide up to $100 per month so that employees may purchase a bus pass or pay their monthly vanpool fare. However, this rate may not exceed the exact cost of a 30-day bus pass ($40/month in Oklahoma City or $50/month on Express Routes from Edmond or Norman.
EMPLOYER BENEFITS
> An employer can deduct the commute and parking expenses as business expenses. This subsidy is considered a “qualified transportation fringe benefit.“
> An employer can offer the benefit without increased cost to the company.
> The subsidy offers employers savings on payroll taxes.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
> An employee can elect to pay no taxes on the part of his/her salary (not to exceed $65) spent on mass transit.
> The employee may receive non-taxable cash up to $65 per month.
> An employer may share the cost of commuting with the employee.
Example: You spend $40.00 per month on METRO Transit 30-day bus pass. That amount of your salary will not be taxed. If your combined tax is 40%, your tax saving would be $16.00 per month (40% x $40.00) or $192.00 per year (12 x $16.00).
> See also Publication 535, Business Expenses, Chapter 4, Fringe Benefits, Page 15, “Qualified Transportation Fringe”.
For more information concerning the COMMUTER CHOICE Program call 235-RIDE
Or visit these links:
IRS : Internal Revenue Service www.irs.gov
EPA : Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov/oms/transp/
CMT : Citizens for Modern Transit www.cmt-stl.org/clean/irs.html

GRH
WHAT IS GRH?
GRH stands for Guaranteed Ride Home. It is a form of insurance for commuters who regularly use alternative modes of transportation instead of the Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV). When you choose to carpool, ride the bus, bike or walk to work or school at least 3 times a week, GRH insures you will not be stranded. In case of an emergency, this program gives you a FREE ride to your destination(s).

WHY IS GRH NEEDED?
One of the major reasons why people feel uncomfortable about taking alternative transportation is the fear of being at school or work without their automobile in the case of an emergency. GRH provides reassurance that the ride you need will be there when you need it. With a FREE ride just a phone call away, you have peace of mind knowing that you can get to your destination(s) quickly if you must. This means that you can feel confident about using alternative transportation to commute.

HOW DO I USE GRH?
Each member of the GRH program is entitled to receive four taxi trips within a 12-month calendar period (Jan-Dec) with an allowance of up to $30.00 per trip.
Additional costs or driver tips that result from traveling beyond the program’s limits are non-reimbursable and must be paid by the participant.

Register Today!
1. Download this form and mail to METRO Transit.
2. Fax a completed form to us at 297-2111.
3. Stop by our Customer Service Center located at: 300 SW 7th Street or 420 NW 5th.