May 16 - May 22, 2022 is National Bike to Work Week.  Get out and enjoy some fresh air, exercise and peace of mind!  Check out the many benefits of bicycling to work:  https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/bike-work-day/

The individual associate category is new in 2022. This category represents individuals whose organization does not currently meet the National Standard of Excellence for commuting benefits, but would like to access many of the benefits a full Best Workplace for Commuters member receives, such as access to e-newsletter, webinars, and tools.  Learn more...

The BWC website now has a members-only chat.  Share your thoughts, ideas and questions about transportation and commuter benefits with other BWC members.  Get to know other members and what they offer their employees, how their programs work and best practices.  You will find the Chat feature under the Members Only tab on the website.  If you don't see the Members Only tab, be sure to log in to get all the great members-only features.  

BWC member and partner, San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), is featured in this news story for their outstanding vanpool program.  Learn more.

Earth Day is recognized every year to raise awareness of environmental issues and inspire an appreciation for the world around us. Environmental activists coined Earth Day in response to a massive oil spill in waters near Santa Barbara, CA, in 1969.  Learn more from the US Census.

On April 7, 2022, goDCgo presented their 2022 Ambassador Awards to those ambassadors who go above and beyond to promote sustainable transportation and continue to build interest in the use of alternative travel options.  Julie Bond, BWC Program Manager, spoke at the event about the many benefits of joining Best Workplaces for Commuters.  goDCgo awarded a free BWC membership to National League for Nursing, who meets the Standard of Excellence to join BWC.  Congratulations to all the award winners!

View the recording of the event.

View the list of all the winners!

Q: Can I deduct my commuting expenses from my federal taxes?

A: According to the IRS mileage rules, your drive to work and back home are commuting miles, so they are not tax deductible generally.  You can’t deduct commuting expenses even if you work during the commuting trip. You can’t deduct the cost of using your car in a nonprofit car pool. You don’t need to include payments you receive from the passengers when reporting your income. These payments are considered reimbursements of your expenses.

Not all is lost, however, to reduce your taxes.  You can use pre-tax dollars to pay for your commute (up to $280/month for transit and vanpooling and up to $280/month for qualified parking) and save on taxes as well as gas, parking and tolls. The average person would save about $600 per year by switching from after-tax payment of your parking or transit costs to pre-tax payment.  Bottom line is that tax savings from qualified transportation benefits means keeping more of your money in your pocket.

See Best Workplaces for Commuters’ frequently asked questions about qualified transportation fringe benefits. 

On April 21, 2022, Get There Oregon hosted a webinar with special guest, BWC program manager, Julie Bond.

Julie Bond discussed the BWC program, how it could help them increase employer participation, and about great resources such as the newly released Commuter Benefits Guide.

In January 2022 Get There Oregon launched an online survey conducted by DHM Research to gauge awareness, attitudes, and motivators among HR-related professionals across Oregon to enhance employee commute options programs and services.  The webinar included a summary of the results and how they may be used in employer TO programs.  The information was presented by Michelle Neiss, President, DHM Research and Kelly Bantle, Allegiant Strategies NW and Get There consultant.

Watch the video

Use passcode 8hjkADo6 to watch the video

BWC Tech Tip: How to Print Your BWC Certificate

The Bundle Administrator can print the BWC certificate for their member organization directly from the website with a few easy steps.   Just log in to the member profile and select the pdf file to print.  Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Log in

Step 2: Scroll down to "BWC Certificate"

Step 3: Click on the pdf file link to view, download and print your certificate.

If you have been to the Member Profile page, you have likely seen the term "Bundle."  Here's the lowdown.  A bundle is the term for an organization in the system.  The primary contact at the organization is the "bundle administrator" and additional members at your organization, for example a media specialist or program manager, are "bundle members."  The bundle administrator has access to change the commuter benefits offered on the member profile page, while the member can only view it.