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 commuter benefits may qualify for recognition as a 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 nonattainment area (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 commuter benefits such as transit/vanpool subsidies, alternative work schedules, parking cash-out, telework programs, and onsite amenities such as food vendors and outgoing mail drops.

New Commute Champion designees are recognized at the annual Clean Air Action Leadership Awards Luncheon and through an annual insert in a leading regional news publication, typically the Houston Business Journal.

Click here to apply for the Commute Champion Program.

How to Qualify as a Commute Champion

To be designated a Commute Champion employers must offer one of the following Primary Benefits:

• Employer contribution of $30 or more per month towards employee transit/vanpool expenses (or the entire cost if less than $30)
• Employer provision of $30 or more per month (in lieu of providing a parking spot) to employees who opt to leave their car at home and commute via an alternative method
• A significant telework program that reduces 6% or more of employee commute trips
• Offer alternative work schedules that reduce the aggregate number of employee commute trips by 10% or more (i.e. 9/80 or 4/10 work weeks)
• Another benefit deemed equivalent by the Houston-Galveston Area Council which provides similar value to employees and which reduces traffic congestion.

Participating Commute Champions 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