Employers in the Houston-Galveston Area that provide commuter benefits to their employees not only save money and improve productivity; they also help ease congestion and improve quality of life in the region. Many employers offering these benefits qualify for recognition as a Houston-Galveston Area Commute Champion.

The Commute Champion program is administered by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) and seeks to recognize employers that go above and beyond in offering commuter benefits to their employees.

Through this program, H-GAC spotlights employers in the eight county non-attainment region (comprised of Harris and the seven adjacent counties) which have demonstrated their commitment to improving quality of life for commuters while simultaneously reducing traffic and air pollution. Program participants offer employees commuting benefits such as transit/vanpool subsidies, bicycle commuter facilities, telework programs, and onsite amenities such as day care and dry cleaning.

Commute Champion Program participants are recognized at an annual awards luncheon and through an annual insert in a leading regional news publication, typically the Houston Business Journal.

How to Qualify as a Houston-Galveston Area Commute Champion

To be designated a Commute Champion employers must offer one of these four Primary Benefits:

1. Monthly transit/vanpool subsidy of at least $30 or the full cost of the pass.
2. Parking cash-out (where employees trade free parking for cash) equal to at least 75% of the total parking costs or a minimum of $30 per month, whichever is greater.
3. A significant telecommuting program that reduces 6% of commute trips.
4. An equivalent benefit that provides similar value to employees, reduce traffic and/or air pollution..

The program participant must also offer three supporting benefits of their choice. Organizations with 20 or fewer employees need only provide one supporting benefit. Examples of supporting benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Pre-tax employee-paid transit/vanpool passes
• Preferred parking for carpoolers
• Onsite amenities(i.e. day care, ATMs, mailbox) or concierge services
• Rideshare matching (like NuRide.com)
• Incentives for living near work
• Alternative work schedules
• Amenities for Bikers (i.e. lockers and showers)
• Many other supporting benefits are recognized.

Other considerations:

• Guaranteed ride home
• Central point of contact
• Promotional activities
• Commuter information
• A goal of 14% alternative mode usage within 18 months of signing