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Employers seek ways to beat gas prices and parking constraints
INDIANAPOLIS – Faced with higher than normal transportation costs and parking shortages, local employers are seeking commuting options for their workforce. More than 108 employers have signed up with the Central Indiana Commuter Services (CICS) program in hopes of offering some type of relief.
“We are seeing an increase in telephone calls and inquiries for information about alternatives to driving alone to work each day,” said Ruth Reiman, CICS project manager. “Now, residents have feasible options and access to a diverse database of other residents looking to start a carpool or vanpool.”
CICS, a federally funded IndyGo program, encourages residents to join a carpool, ride the bus, walk, vanpool or bike to work. Additionally, CICS helps employers set-up tax benefit programs such as pre-tax accounts for bus passes and vanpool fees. This free program offers commuting options for residents in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan and Shelby counties.
After introducing CICS last year to their employees, Barnes & Thornburg LLP has noticed that staff members are taking advantage of cost-effective transportation. Many employees are carpooling, riding the bus and vanpooling with fellow employees and other CICS participants.
“With the increase in gas prices and downtown parking rates, we wanted to offer our employees the opportunity to explore money saving alternatives," said Laura Miller, Personnel Administrator. “Our participation in CICS has tripled over the last three months, and now over 5 percent of our staff has joined the program. Our employees are trying CICS and finding the benefits are well worth it.”
For more information about Central Indiana Commuter Services call (317) 327-RIDE, or e-mail info@centralincommuter.net. You can also visit www.327RIDE.net.
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