San Francisco introduced the Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program in 2014. This mandate, enforced by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), requires employers with 50 or more full-time employees in the Bay Area to offer commuter benefits to reduce traffic and improve air quality.
Residents, employees, and visitors in the San Francisco Bay Area have access to an extensive public transportation network, with options ranging from ferries, streetcars, and buses to subways, cable cars, and bikes. This array of options led to the Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program, mandated by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and enacted by the California State Legislature in 2016. The program’s purpose is to help reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the use of public transit.
Employers required to comply fall into two main categories.
The first group includes companies with 1 to 50 employees (remote, hybrid, or in-office) that have offices in the Bay Area and at least 20 U.S.-based employees.
The second group consists of companies with more than 50 employees (whether remote, hybrid, or in-office) and offices in the Bay Area.
If you want to see if your office location is part of the mandate you can find out here in this interactive map.
You can use our free compliance checker to find out if your company meets the compliance requirements.
The fine structure for these mandates varies based on multiple factors, including employee count, the overall size of the company, and the duration of non-compliance. For a detailed breakdown of potential fines, please reach out to us here.
While meeting compliance is essential, offering commuter benefits can have broader impacts, from attracting and retaining employees to improving overall employee satisfaction and reducing turnover. Employees appreciate options to save on commuting costs and value employers who support eco-friendly practices.
Managing multiple transit options and compliance details can be complex, especially with the Bay Area’s 27 transit agencies and varied regulations. Employers can start by designating a commuter benefits coordinator, maintaining records of program implementation, and annually updating their registration. Working with a third-party benefits administrator or Transportation Management Association (TMA) can further ease the burden, providing expertise and cost-saving options across transit agencies.
Fleet’s team of commuter benefits specialists is here to simplify the process of setting up and maintaining a compliant commuter benefits program. We offer tailored solutions that align with your company’s unique needs, ensuring smooth integration with multiple transit options and compliance with Bay Area mandates. With Fleet, you’ll have access to expert support, streamlined management tools, and flexible transit options to benefit both your employees and your organization.
Send us a message today to see how Fleet can make commuting easier and more sustainable for your team!
