On August 8th, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed the most far-reaching transit benefit ordinance in the country. Employers with 20 or more employees have until January 20th to put a transit benefit in place or face fines of up to $800. Click here to read the ordinance text.
This law has strong support in the San Francisco business community
Here is what the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce communicated to its members in its weekly newsletter: 'While the Chamber generally opposes mandates on business, the city's newest requirement that businesses with 20 or more employees working in San Francisco establish a program to promote the use of public transit can be an economic benefit. In addition to helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by getting people out of cars and onto transit, the law can be a money-saver for businesses.'
When the Chamber of Commerce states that Commuter Check is a money saver for businesses, they are referring to the fact that employers do not pay payroll tax on any money that employees set aside. The Chamber should know, they have been offering Commuter Check to their employees for over ten years!
Commuter Check is Here to Help with Workshops and Programs
Workshops:
Accor Services/Commuter Check and the San Francisco Department of the Environment are holding a series of employer ordinance workshops at San Francisco City Hall. The purpose of the workshop is to answer questions about the ordinance and explain the options employers have in participating. Select from three convenient workshop dates from the list at the right and sign up today to ensure your spot.
Wednesday, October 15 from 3:30pm-4:45pm (room 421) Registration Closed
Thursday, October 30 from 9am-11am (room 408) Registration Closed
Tuesday, November 18 from 1pm-3pm (room 416) Registration Closed
WEBINAR - Wednesday, December 3 from 2pm -3:15pm (must have 10 participants to hold the webinar) Registration Closed
WEBINAR - Thursday, January 8, from 10am -11:15am (must have 10 participants to hold webinar) Registration Closed
WEBINAR - Tuesday, January 13, from 2pm - 3:15pm (must have 10 participants to hold webinar) Registration Closed
Programs:
Commuter Check has over 1,000 companies in San Francisco which have enrolled since 1992. We offer a wide range of options for you to become compliant:
Commuter Check vouchers: Our basic easy-to-administer program serving employers since 1992. It is the lowest cost option available--guaranteed to be less than half the payroll tax savings. (And no-cost if participation drops to zero). It is one-stop shopping for all your employees. We now offer eCommuter Check, an electronic voucher for use with the TransLink smart card.
Commuter Check Card: We now offer a debit card that is fully compliant with IRS regulations. The Commuter Check Card can also be used for transit pass online purchases.
Both these programs are fully-compliant transit benefit programs that can be put in place in immediately. If you sign up before November 15th we will offer you free delivery on your first order. To take advantage of this offer, please include the words "SF Ordinance" in the Order Notes Section on the payment information page. Then if you pay by check, simply deduct the $12.00 shipping amount.
Commuter Check Direct: We also offer larger companies with multiple locations a complete turn-key product. Our solution centers on an online ordering platform that allows individual employees the flexibility to place and manage their orders online anytime. The program features individual home delivery.
Click here to read the text of the ordinance.
Download the summary of the ordinance.