CommuteInfo is a program of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission operated in partnership with transportation management associations, transportation providers, businesses and non-profit service organizations throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. Much of the program planning is done through a set of committees which help support the work of the CommuteInfo program staff.

We currently have 3 opportunities for employers who are interested in learning more about the “behind the scenes” work, getting involved and helping shape the future of the program:

• Commuter Advisory Council : Group of 8 – 10 commuters who volunteer to provide “first hand” experience/feedback in the decision making process. Council members will be asked to attend semi-annual meetings (kick-off meeting tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, March 30 th from 8 – 9 AM).

• Employer Advisory Council : Group of 8 – 10 employers who volunteer to provide “first hand” experience/feedback in the decision making process. Council members will be asked to attend semi-annual meetings (kick-off meeting tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, March 23 rd from 8 – 9 AM).

• Marketing Committee : The committee plans marketing activities to promote regional ridesharing and branding of the CommuteInfo identity. The time commitment for committee members is 1 – 2 hours monthly for the regular meeting and an additional 1 – 2 hours monthly (as needed) to work on related projects/tasks. The committee is looking to add members who have experience in one or more of the following: marketing, direct mail, advertising, promotions, media relations, community relations/liaison, and web development/design.

If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering for one of these opportunities, please contact Lisa Kay Schweyer, CommuteInfo Program Developer at LKSchweyer@spcregion.org or call 412-391-5590 x375.

Did You Know? Commuter Choice Benefits Can Save Your Company $$$

What is Commuter Choice?

• A broad range of options for “getting to work”
• Transit, vanpools, parking cash-out
• Carpooling, ridesharing, shuttles
• Teleworking/telecommuting
• Walking, biking
• Alternative work schedules

What are Commuter Choice Tax Incentives?

• Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits
• Purchased by employer and offered to employee free or subsidized
• Transit or vanpool passes or vouchers ($105 per month)
• Qualified parking spaces in conjunction with transit use ($200 per month)
• Tax free to employees
• Tax deduction to employers

Why employers choose to provide these benefits:

• Reduce traffic congestion
• Improve air quality
• Conserve energy
• Save money for employer & employee
• Low cost compared to other benefits
• Reduce need for parking
• Increase transit ridership and revenue
• Attract and retain qualified workforce

Learn more on the new Commuter Choice section of our website: click here.

Port Authority of Allegheny County Provides Updates on Fare Changes

Port Authority’s timetable for the validity of fare instruments prior to the scheduled implementation of a fare increase on March 1, 2005 is as follows:

• After February 9, annual 2005 passes may be purchased for $748 (Zone 1), $946 (Zone 2) or $1,166 (Zone 3).
• Weekly passes up to and including the week of February 27-March 5, 2005 may be purchased at the current price of $16.50 (Zone 1), $20.75 (Zone 2) or $25.75 (Zone 3). All subsequent weekly passes may be purchased for $19 (Zone 1), $23.75 (Zone 2) or $29.50 (Zone 3).
• Current 10-trip tickets will be valid fare instruments through April 30, 2005, although they will require a cash drop beginning March 1, 2005. Full books of tickets may be applied toward the purchase of new fare tickets at Port Authority’s Downtown Service Center, 534 Smithfield Street, beginning the week of February 20, 2005.
• Port Authority customers wishing additional information should contact Port Authority Customer Service at (412) 442-2000 or the TTY number, (412) 231-7007, for the speech and hearing impaired.

Employees and employers are reminded that the new year is a great time to consider participating in Port Authority’s EZ Gold program. Under this program, which now includes 182 employers and almost 5,900 employees, employees have the cost of a monthly pass deducted from their wages before taxes. This results in annual savings of $290 for Zone 1 customers purchasing annual passes, and employers save on FICA and unemployment taxes. Those wishing more information on the Port Authority EZ Gold program are asked to call (412) 566-5312 for more information.

Your Employees or Customers Travel Through the Airport Corridor?

One of the CommuteInfo program partners, The Airport Corridor Transportation Association, provides free email alerts – including traffic, construction and transit updates. To sign up to receive these free updates just send an email to: showman@acta-pgh.org.

Meet CommuteInfo Representatives at one of these Upcoming Events . . .

Thursday, February 24 – Job Club in Greensburg
Wednesday, March 2 – Job Club in New Kensington
Thursday, March 10 - WestPACS
Friday, March 11, 11 AM – 2 PM – Allegheny General Hospital
Saturday, March 19, 10 AM - Noon – Norwin Library
Wednesday, March 23 – Employment Guide Employment Expo (Heinz Field)
Wednesday, April 27 - VA Hospital in Oakland

With approximately 60% of the Southwestern Pennsylvania region's 1.5 million workers traveling outside of their resident municipality to work each day, commuting options are clearly an integral part of life for the region’s employers and workers.

CommuteInfo is a program of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC), operated in partnership with transportation management associations, transportation providers, businesses and non-profit service organizations throughout Southwestern PA.

Through the strong network of partnerships, the CommuteInfo program offers a wide range of ride-sharing services to employers and commuters within the region, including a toll free phone number for information requests and referrals, vanpool/carpool rider matching, transit/biking/walking resources as well as park and ride lot information. CommuteInfo serves commuters and employers in 10 counties, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland.

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Thanks again for your interest in commuting alternatives and CommuteInfo…a better way to work.