Money-Saving Commuter Tax Benefits

The current economic climate prompts us all to find more ways to save money. Your employers may offer a solution that is often overlooked. A pretax commuter benefit program can help you pay for your daily commute – whether you’re a vanpooler, cyclist or mass transit rider - and can save you a good chunk of change.

A commuter benefit program allows you to pay for your commute through a pretax payroll deduction up to the monthly Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limit of $230. If you use public transportation or a vanpool, you can purchase your fare on a tax-free basis up to the monthly IRS limit. Any costs exceeding the IRS limit are typically deducted from your paycheck on an after-tax basis. This pretax benefit can save you more than $1,000 a year.

As of January 2009, the IRS now offers a subsidy for the most environmentally friendly commute option – bicycling. If you are an avid cyclist (bike to work three to four times a week), you are eligible to participate in an after-tax reimbursement program for approved items that support the maintenance and upkeep of your bicycle. This can include a commuter bicycle, bike lock, helmet and bike parking facilities, among other items. Reimbursements are up to $25 a month and are usually reimbursed on a quarterly basis. Keep in mind, though, the bicycle subsidy benefit cannot be combined with the pretax commuter benefit.

Tax-free commuter benefits are only available to commuters through your employers, so ask your employers if they offer such a benefit. It’s easy for your employers: All they have to do is enroll in a pre-tax benefit program. Click here to find out more information that you can share with your employers.

With Telework, Everyone Wins

In recent years, the number of people who telework at least part-time has increased significantly. According to a survey by the National Small Business Association, telework has increased from 19 percent of employees in 2007 to 44 percent in 2010. If the term is new to you, telework (or telecommuting) involves using telecommunication devices, such as a phone, fax, computer and modem, to work outside the traditional office.

In the modern workplace, many professionals only need a secure Internet connection and a phone to do their jobs. Obviously, some tasks cannot be done off-site, but if your profession is one that permits telework, then talk to your supervisor. There are undeniable benefits for everyone.

The Employer:

As a business owner, what would you say if someone showed you how to significantly reduce your operating costs while simultaneously increasing productivity? You’d probably think it was a fairy tale – but it’s not. It’s telework. Multiple studies now confirm that employees are more productive when teleworking; with fewer employees in the office, the employer saves money on heat, electricity and other expenses.

The Employee:

An employee who teleworks, even part-time, will significantly reduce the amount of time and money spent commuting to and from work. The employee will gain a better balance between the job and life outside of work. Time that was previously consumed by a daily commute can now be spent with families and friends, making the employee happier.

Everyone:

Not only is teleworking good for the employee and the employer, it benefits the general public because of its positive effect on air quality. A 2010 study by the Telework Research Network found that if 41 million U.S. residents worked from home half of the time, oil imports could be cut by 37 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 53 million metric tons a year. That’s equivalent to taking nearly 10 million cars off the road.

If you think telework is appropriate for your job but aren’t sure how to discuss it with your employer, 511NYRideshare can help. And if you have a telecommuting success story, share it with us in the comments below or on our Facebook page!

Drivers Can Improve Air Quality, Too

image by Indy Charlie used under Creative Commons license

Is giving up your car altogether unrealistic for you? Good news! There are still actions you can take to reduce the environmental impact when you have to drive.

1. Maintain Your Vehicle

A well-maintained vehicle produces 20 percent less greenhouse gas emissions, has better fuel economy and retains its value longer. Just keeping your tires properly inflated can save around $75 each year. Other items to check regularly include your air filter, vacuum and coolant hoses, oil, and oil filter. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals. Have your car adjusted by a skilled technician when necessary.

2. Don’t Top Off the Tank – Stop at the Click

Gas pumps are intentionally designed to stop filling your vehicle’s tank before it’s entirely full. The pump stops with a click when there is just enough extra space in the tank for the gasoline fumes to remain inside instead of escaping into the air. If you “top off” your tank, these fumes end up in the atmosphere. Stopping at the click is a simple habit that goes a long way in reducing air pollution.

3. Cut Back On Idling

Every year, the average driver wastes more than a full tank of gas (24.5 gallons) idling a vehicle. Cutting the average idling time in half would prevent more than 235 pounds of carbon dioxide per person from being released into our atmosphere every year! If you’re going to be idling your vehicle’s engine for more than 30 seconds, it is more fuel efficient to turn your engine off. In fact, idling your vehicle for 30 seconds or longer uses more fuel than restarting your engine. Avoid idling; not only will you save gas and money, but you’ll help keep our air cleaner.

4. Combine Errands into One Trip

Combining multiple errands into one trip is an effective way to make the most of your time and to improve air quality. Your engine operates more efficiently when it’s warm, so you can reduce emissions and save gas by taking care of all your errands in a single trip.

For more tips on improving New York’s air quality, visit www.CleanAirNY.org.

WIN FOUR ICE SKATING TICKETS - PART II

Do you want to win four FREE ice skating tickets?
Just follow Clean Air NY’s social network profiles & you’re automatically entered to win!
This contest was so successful for us over the past two weeks that we have decided to extend it for another two weeks! Start following Clean Air NY NOW and you could win TONIGHT! Every day from now until March 14th we are picking one of our new friends to win four free tickets to ice skate in Central Park – it could be you! What are you waiting for? Add Clean Air NY now!

Friend us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Each day we’ll pick one person at random from all of our new fans on both Facebook and Twitter, so add us on both networks and double your chances at winning!

Good luck everyone, and thank you so much for supporting Clean Air NY!

BONUS:

Help us promote this contest and you could earn even more tickets! Just write a tweet encouraging your friends to follow Clean Air NY on Twitter, and we’ll pick two of our helpers to each win five tickets at the end of the contest.

One example would be “CONTEST: follow @CleanAirNY & u could win 4 tix for ice skating at Wollman Rink! http://www.bit.ly/fi109rf (Pls RT!)” Just make sure you @Mention us in your update so we see it. We will count one promotional tweet per person per day, so tweet about our contest often and increase your chances of winning!

*Tickets are good for free admission and skate rental at Wollman Rink, and are valid through April 3, 2011.

Use 511NY.org and Make the Most of Public Transit this Presidents Day

image by Joe Shlabotnik used under Creative Commons license

On Feb. 21, we celebrate Presidents Day, a federal holiday commemorating the birthdays of our first and 16th presidents - George Washington and Abraham Lincoln - respectively. As Presidents Day approaches, we may wonder what life was like when those leaders were alive.

Technology has improved immensely since the 18th and 19th centuries, including transportation. When Washington led our nation, people and goods traveled on land by horse-drawn wagons, coaches and carriages. Oxen and mules also pulled wagons and carts, loaded with goods and personal property from one destination to the other. In Lincoln’s time, new ways to travel were developing, such as trains and ferries, and the Erie Canal was thriving. Today, we have countless forms of land transportation, including public transit, which is available to all citizens.

This Presidents Day, in addition to taking advantage of any special events, make the most of public transit – take the bus, train, subway or ferry to explore the stores around the region! Visit 511NY.org to plan your trip or to check out real-time transit conditions. 511NY also has a new mobile app: click here to find out more information on how to download it onto your smartphone.

WIN FOUR ICE SKATING TICKETS

Do you want to win four FREE ice skating tickets?
Just follow Clean Air NY’s social network profiles & you’re automatically entered to win!
Start following Clean Air NY NOW and you could win TONIGHT! Every day from now until February 28th we are picking one of our new friends to win four free tickets to ice skate in Central Park – it could be you! What are you waiting for? Add Clean Air NY now!

Friend us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

Each day we’ll pick one person at random from all of our new fans on both Facebook and Twitter, so add us on both networks and double your chances at winning!

Good luck everyone, and thank you so much for supporting Clean Air NY!

*Tickets are good for free admission and skate rental at Wollman Rink, and are valid through April 3, 2011.

Six Ways to Say “I Love You” And Clean Our Air

image by Sister72 used under Creative Commons license

Valentine’s Day is a great time to show your love for our planet as well as the special people in your life. Below are six great ways to celebrate the day and to reduce New York’s air pollution at the same time.

Looking for eco-gift suggestions?

1. When buying cards and gifts for your loved ones, make a list prior to shopping. If you plan ahead, you’ll only have to make one trip to the card store and gift shop. Combining these trips reduces emissions from your car.

2. Want to help your special someone clean up the air? What about a new bike? If that’s beyond your budget, what about a bike lock or pedometer?

3. Telecommute on Monday, February 14, to stay close to your loved ones.

Need eco-friendly date ideas?

4. Take your significant other to Grand Central Terminal. It’s a beautiful, romantic and historic New York City landmark, plus you can get there and back with a plethora of public transit options - train, bus or subway!

5. Go sledding, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in a park! They are fun activities, plus you won’t be contributing to poorer air quality.

6. Make a dinner reservation at a local restaurant specializing in organic or locally grown food. Eating locally cuts down on food miles.