TransLink is launching the Transit Friendly Employer Certification (TFE) to encourage employers to subsidize transit for their employees. TFE will allow employers who provide an employee subsidy to promote their commitment to transit in recruiting campaigns and sustainability reports. The Transit-Friendly Employer Certification is the first in Canada.
To become certified in the TFE program, employers must pay at least 50 percent of their employee transit passes while employees pay the remainder. Large companies with more than 200 staff members need to sign up for at least 10 percent of employees. For smaller employers, a minimum of 25 percent of employees must sign up.
The program also provides employers with an attractive employee retention measure, as transportation costs represent the second-highest household expense in B.C.
- Organizations can also customize their involvement in the program:
- Choose a suitable level of subsidy
- Pay-as-you-go transit passes for employees who commute a few days per week
- Monthly passes for frequent commuters
- Single or multi-zone passes depending on the typical commute distance
“Organizations around Metro Vancouver are saying they want climate action. This program enables businesses to join us as leaders in taking tangible steps to help reduce the carbon footprint of our region,” said Kevin Quinn, TransLink CEO. “TransLink’s vision is to make transit the first choice for all trips to and from the workplace. To accomplish this goal, we need companies who are committed to creating more sustainable communities.”
