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Did you know it is mandatory for employers with 50 or more full-time employees in the Bay Area to register with the Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program? Even if your employer offers commuter benefits, to be in compliance with the Bay Area Air District’s Regulation 14, Rule 1, they are required to enroll in the program and update their registration annually. Employers can choose from five commuter benefit options:

1. Pre-tax transit benefits
2. Employer-provided subsidy for transit or vanpooling
3. Employer-provided transit (such as shuttles)
4. Telework one or more days a week
5. A custom plan that includes other modes like bicycling or walking, possibly combined with promotions that encourage alternates to driving alone and more

Employers can play a key role in affecting air quality and traffic congestion, both of which have a strong impact on our quality of life and future sustainability. We strongly encourage employers to comply.

Enrollment in the Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program is easy and free by visiting 511.org. Take advantage of the many resources to help you comply. The helpful handbook for employers walks you through all the options, and frequently asked questions answer your most important questions. We will provide resources to guide you through this quick process or speak to one of our team members for hands on support. For more information, visit 511.org, call us at 510-285-3182  or email the team at commuterbenefits@511.org to confirm if your organization is registered. 

Also…if you provide public transportation for your employees, members, teams or groups, contact Tri Delta Transit regarding the Bay Pass Clipper program. Tri Delta Transit can assist you with this easy and economical way to provide transportation benefits.

The Clipper® BayPass is an all-access transit pass that enables unlimited use on all bus, rail and ferry services in the nine-county Bay Area region that accepts Clipper, except for San Francisco Muni Cable Cars. Simply tap and go like you would using any other Clipper card. Employers can purchase Clipper BayPass cards at a custom discounted price to provide all employees with unlimited access to transit services throughout the Bay Area.

BayPass is currently in Phase 2 of the pilot program. The program is offered through partner organizations (e.g., employers, universities, housing providers) to commuters and is available on a plastic card or as a mobile card.

For more information visit clipperbaypass.com