ORCA for Downtown Seattle Employers

Transcription

1 ORCA for Downtown Seattle Employers

2 ORCA Business Accounts What is ORCA? ORCA (One Regional Card for All), is a smart card transit pass that is accepted on Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit and Washington State Ferries. With ORCA, individuals or businesses can purchase different PugetPass transit products or load a dollar amount into an e-purse debit account. Users then simply tap their card at an ORCA card reader, and their pass product is recognized or the fare is automatically deducted from their e-purse account. ORCA s convenient payment options and seamless fare transfer services make using transit easier than ever before. There are two ORCA account options available for businesses: ORCA Business Choice- Business Choice allows employers to load a dollar amount or any PugetPass onto their employees ORCA cards at retail pricing on a monthly basis. Business choice gives the employer the flexibility to subsidize as much or as little of their employees transportation costs as they want, for as few or as many of their employees as they want. ORCA Business Passport- Business Passport is a deeply discounted comprehensive, annual transportation pass program for employers with 5 to 499 employees in downtown Seattle. It includes unlimited rides on all Metro, Sound Transit (including LINK Light Rail), Community, Kitsap, Pierce and Everett transit services (with a ferry add on option) and 100% vanpool and vanshare subsidy. Employers must purchase Passport for all full-time benefited employees, and can cost-share with employees up to 50%.

3 ORCA Business Choice ORCA Business Choice provides total flexibility for employers and employees. This program offers multiple products on a single ORCA card. The card can contain products including monthly passes, e- purse or e-voucher. It can also be used to supplement the ORCA Passport program. Elements include: Monthly transit passes at retail prices for bus, train, ferry or Metro vanpool. Access to all regular bus services on Community Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit, Metro Transit, Pierce Transit, and Sound Transit Access to regular Sound Transit Link light rail service Access to Sounder commuter rail Access to Washington State Ferries E-purse option Employees use stored value to pay for travel on a per-trip basis or convert to monthly pass E-voucher option Employees convert to E-purse or monthly pass and if unused, E- vouchers are eligible for a credit to the employer (See E-purse and E-voucher details on back) Benefits to employers include ability to: Purchase ORCA cards and load or reload value monthly, or as needed, via the website Distribute cards infrequently as they have a 3-4 year life Conveniently manage employee cards online by serial # or group Load multiple ORCA products (like E-purse or E-voucher ) on a single ORCA card Provide cards only to those employees using transportation services Provide a subsidy and/or Pre-Tax benefit to employees Change products from month to month or maintain a stable order Conveniently pre-pay on-line via credit card or by mailing a company check Block lost or stolen cards and transfer products or move value from blocked cards to new cards

4 ORCA Business Choice Benefits to employees include ability to: Load bus, train, ferry and Metro vanpool passes, and per-trip fares on one card. Conveniently convert the E-voucher to E-purse and pay for travel on a per-trip basis or convert to a monthly pass Add value to cover the cost difference between the employer sponsored subsidy and the total cost of the desired product or fare Ability to register your card. If lost or stolen, the card can then be blocked and the value issued to you on another card. About E-purse: Employees use the value stored to pay for travel on a per-trip basis or apply the value toward a monthly pass. Can be used to provide a pre-tax benefit to employees Allows the employer to restore an amount on a replacement card if a card is lost or stolen Employees can add personal funds to the E-purse on their employer-provided card, however the card belongs to the employer Funds do not expire but cap at $300 after which no further value may be added. About E-voucher: Works similar to E-purse, but is only available to employers Funds are credited back to the employer after 30 days if vouchers are unredeemed Employees decide how to spend their E-voucher by either applying the value toward a monthly pass or converting it to an E-purse for use on a per-trip basis

5 ORCA Business Passport ORCA Business Passport is a deeply discounted comprehensive, annual transportation pass program for employers with employees. Employees in downtown Seattle, Belltown, International District, South Lake Union, Queen Anne and downtown Bellevue can participate with as few as 5 employees. Elements include: Access to all regular bus services on Community Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit, Metro Transit, Pierce Transit, and Sound Transit Access to regular Sound Transit Link light rail service Access to Sounder commuter rail 100% vanpool fare subsidy on Community Transit, Kitsap Transit, Metro Transit, and Pierce Transit vanpool vans 100% vanshare fare subsidy on Metro Transit vanshare vans Access to Seattle Streetcar and Water Taxi Emergency guaranteed ride home service Benefits to employers include ability to: Offer employees an annual comprehensive transportation pass program within a single card Reduce administrative costs the Passport annual program does not require monthly online administration or knowledge of what type of passes employees need Manage employee cards online by serial number, by branch or by group Can be used in combination with an ORCA Choice program to cover ferry riders at additional cost. Provide equitable transportation benefits to all employees Benefits to employees include ability to: Have daily flexibility in choosing how to commute to work Receive low cost or fully subsidized commute benefits Use a single, easy-to-use card to access many different modes of transportation How much does Passport cost? Cost varies depending on the location(s) of your company's work site(s). The program requires that a pass be purchased for every benefits-eligible employee. If you already subsidize transportation for some employees, we recommend that you compare your current transportation expenditure to the cost of Passport for all your employees. Passport is available to individuals only through their participating employer.

6 ORCA Business Passport Frequently Asked Questions Q: What companies are eligible to participate in the Passport program? A: Any company with employees, located within the region. Companies in Downtown Seattle and Bellevue need only 5 employees to participate. Q: What is the value of the transit portion of the Passport? A: The Passport is valid for full fare on all regular Community Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit, Metro Transit, Pierce Transit, and Sound Transit routes. The highest possible fare retail fare is currently $5.50 and the full annual retail value of purchasing a $5.50 monthly pass is $2,376. Q: What is the difference between a vanpool and a vanshare? A: A vanpool group is not limited in the distance of their commute but it must begin at or near the driver s home. Vanpools require a minimum of 5 participants including 2 drivers and a bookkeeper. Vanpool fares are based on the length of commute and the size of the van. A Vanshare group is limited to 20 miles round trip and the group must connect to some form of public transportation, such as bus, ferry or commuter rail. Vanshare groups require a minimum of 5 participants, including one driver. The Vanshare fare is $175 per month. Van fares include insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance, and fuel. Q: Can our company share the cost of the Passport with our employees? A: Yes. The employer agrees to pay for a Passport program based on the full number of benefits-eligible employees at the company. The company can then choose to have employees who receive the pass co-pay up to 50% of the cost of an individual pass. Q: Is the Passport transferable outside the company? A: No, the Passport program is an employee benefit and cannot be transferred to friends or family. The Passport program is purchased by the company and must be relinquished to the company upon request. The employee signs a user agreement. Q: Can a company reuse a pass? A: Yes, once the passes are purchased they can be transferred by the company to employees within the company. Example: an employee who quits or is terminated surrenders the pass. That pass can be given to a new employee.

7 What product can do all these things for your company? Save money on transportation costs Deliver a low-cost high-value benefit to employees Green your business practices Contribute to a healthy, accessible, and vibrant Downtown ORCA Business Passport is the answer! Passport is a regional transit pass providing users with unlimited and seamless fare transfer services on the region s extensive transit network which includes bus, light rail, commuter rail, water taxi, vanpool and more. See example below and contact Commute Seattle for your FREE custom consultation and cost comparison. PASSPORT INCLUDES: Unlimited rides on ALL regional buses including: King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Kitsap transit, Pierce Transit and Everett Transit buses Unlimited rides on regional rail including: Sounder Commuter Train, Seattle Streetcar and Link Light Rail Fully subsidized Vanpool/Vanshare: 100% subsidy on Vanpool and Vanshare Unlimited rides on the Water Taxi: King County Water taxi to West Seattle and Vashon Island Home Free Guarantee: up to 8 free taxi rides home from work per employee in case of an emergencies Typical Company (50 employees): currently purchases a monthly transit pass for some employees TODAY Monthly transit passes for only 25 employees Annual Cost Per Employee $117/mo x 12 months $1,404 per employee Total Annual Cost $35,100 TOMORROW (with Passport) Annual ORCA Passport for all 50 employees Annual Cost Per Employee Total Annual Cost $673.55* per employee $33, Savings: $1, Plus an additional 25 passes! *Net first year price of Passport in Seattle Central Business District net with card fees and rebates s valid as of 01/01/2016 To purchase ORCA Passport, for more information or for a personalized cost comparison please contact: Commute Seattle [email protected]

8 ORCA Business Passport is a comprehensive, deeply discounted annual transit pass program for employers that can provide significant benefits to your company and employees. Employer Considerations A company subsidized transit pass is a low-cost, highly-valued employee benefit that can help your company recruit and retain the best employees in the Seattle marketplace. One annual pass covers all employees commute needs, significantly reducing administrative burdens and allowing employers to offer an equitable transportation benefit to all employees. Employees can only receive this reduced rate program through their employers. Individual commuters cannot purchase an annual pass. Employers have the option to bill up to 50% of the cost of Passport to employees. Unlimited rides allow employees to get to work conveniently and affordably, and enjoy transportation benefits after-hours and on weekends. Companies new to the ORCA Passport program are eligible for $200 in FREE Zipcar credit The Home Free Guarantee program included in ORCA Passport offers employee s 8 free taxi rides a year if an unexpected emergency takes place, allowing employees to feel comfortable leaving their car at home. Employers who purchase ORCA Business Passport are eligible for Washington State business and occupation tax credits. The annual average cost of a parking spot in downtown Seattle is $3,600. Replacing company paid parking with an annual transit pass creates immense savings. One annual parking spot is equivalent to about 7 annual unlimited Passport passes! Helps green business practices and reduce company CO 2 emissions. Helps free up limited parking availability for clients and customers. Benefits to Your Employees ORCA Business Passport saves employees thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket transportation expenses. If employees purchase retail transit passes the annual cost can be up to $2,376! Seattle drive-alone commuters spend an average of $5,208 annually on gas and auto expenses, and up to $4,200 in parking expenses! In Seattle the typical drive-alone commuter wastes nearly 48 hours a year stuck in traffic. Taking transit saves employees time and allows them to utilize their commute time more effectively by reading, checking or having a conversation with a neighbor or co-worker. ORCA Business Passport gives employees access to many different transit options including bus, light rail, commuter train, streetcar, vanpool/vanshare, and water taxi. Provides free emergency taxi transportation for employees who have to leave work suddenly due to illness or family emergencies, or have to work late without prior notice. Represents a commitment to sustainability and commute trip reduction corporate social and environmental responsibility is important to employees. To purchase ORCA Passport, for more information or for a personalized cost comparison please contact: Commute Seattle [email protected]

9 Choice vs. Passport: Side by Side Main differences between ORCA Business Passport and ORCA Business Choice Considerations ORCA Choice ORCA Passport Contract and Payment Unlimited rides Eligible Employees Monthly Yes with monthly passes, no with E-purse Company chooses who to include Annual Yes, (ferries are extra) ALL full time benefited employees Cost Retail going rate Deeply discounted pass Employer Contribution As much or as little as company decides At least 50% from company Home Free Guarantee Included No Yes Administrative duties Monthly, can be time consuming to individualize employees needs Minimal to no administration

10 ORCA Business Choice Monthly Pass Pricing One-Way Monthly Type of Pass Annual Cost Fare Metro & Sound Transit: Senior/Disability Pass $1.00 $36.00 $ Seattle Streetcar: South Lake Union & Hill $2.25 $81.00 $ Link Light Rail: Beacon Hill/SoDo - Westlake $2.50 $90.00 $1, Vanpool NA $90.00 $1, Link Light Rail: Columbia City/Rainer Beach Westl. $2.75 $99.00 $1, Sound Transit Intra-county Express Bus $2.75 $99.00 $1, Metro Peak One Zone $2.75 $99.00 $1, Washington State Ferries (WSF): Central Sound $8.00 $ $1, Link Light Rail: Tukwila/Airport - Westlake $3.00 $ $1, Metro Peak Two Zone $3.25 $ $1, Sounder Train: Tukwila station $3.75 $ $1, Sound Transit Inter-County Bus $3.75 $ $1, Sounder Train: Edmonds/Kent Station $4.00 $ $1, Sounder Train: Auburn $4.25 $ $1, Community Transit Commuter Bus South/Everett $4.25 $ $1, Sounder Train: Mukilteo $4.50 $ $1, King County Water Taxi: West Seattle $4.50 $ $1, WSF: Vashon/Fauntleroy + Metro One Zone $7.95 $ $2, Sounder Train: Puyallup/Sumner $4.75 $ $2, WSF: Bainbridge/Bremerton + Kitsap Transit $10.00 $ $2, Sounder Train: Everett $5.00 $ $2, WSF: Southworth/Fauntleroy + Metro One Zone $9.00 $ $2, Sounder Train: Tacoma $5.25 $ $2, King County Water Taxi: Vashon/Seattle $5.25 $ $2, Community Transit Commuter Bus North/East $5.50 $ $2, Sounder Train: Lakewood Station $5.75 $ $2, ORCA Business Passport Pricing Type of Pass Equivalent Monthly Annual Cost ORCA Passport For Downtown Companies - Covers all $56.13* $673.55* transit in Central Puget Sound (except WSF system)** s updated 01/01/16; fares reflect scheduled fare increases for 03/01/2016 for Sound Transit, King County Water Taxi * Reflects net price for first year downtown Seattle CBD. s vary by area and are subject to change. ** Contact Commute Seattle for current pricing, rules and eligibility

11 Rules and Eligibility Pricing ORCA Business Passport Rules and Pricing ORCA Business Passport is a deeply discounted comprehensive transit pass that is only available to individuals through their participating employer The program requires that a pass be purchased for every benefits-eligible employee per location. Companies can bill back up to 50% of the price of the pass to employees. Participating companies must have a minimum of 5 to 20 employees depending on the location of the company worksite. The price of ORCA Business Passport varies depending on the location(s) of your company's work site(s). The cost of Passport in a given area is based upon the level of transit service available and the average ridership in that area. Area Passport prices are adjusted every 6 months to reflect fare changes amongst the seven participating transit agencies. Companies that participate in the ORCA Passport program typically demonstrate increased ridership after the first year. Renewal pricing is adjusted to account for this increase. New ORCA Business Passport customers are subject to an initial one-time $5 per pass card fee. New ORCA Business Passport customers are eligible for a first-year rebate. Downtown Seattle Eligibility and Pricing (See maps for area boundaries) Passport Area Downtown Seattle CBD Minimum Employee Count Initial Card Fee Rebate Net Cost Monthly Net Cost** Renewal 5 $ $5 $30 $ $56.13 $ Belltown 5 $ $5 $30 $ $56.28 $ Queen Anne / Lake Union International District 5 $ $5 $25 $ $40.11 $ $ $5 $25 $ $51.23 $ Hill 20 $ $5 $15 $ $39.32 $ * s updated 01/01/2016. All pricing, rules and eligibility are subject to change. Contact Commute Seattle for current pricing and expected price change timelines. **For comparison purposes; Passport is paid for annually, in halves or in quarter installments

12 Passport Area Downtown Seattle CBD Minimum Employee Count Initial Card Fee Rebate Net Cost Monthly Net Cost Renewal 5 $ $5 $30 $ $56.13 $804.41

13 Passport Area Minimum Employee Count Initial Card Fee Rebate Net Cost Monthly Net Cost Renewal Belltown 5 $ $5 $30 $ $56.28 $750.89

14 Passport Area International District Minimum Employee Count Initial Card Fee Rebate Net Cost Monthly Net Cost Renewal 5 $ $5 $25 $ $51.23 $788.61

15 Passport Area Queen Anne / Lake Union Minimum Employee Count Initial Card Fee Rebate Net Cost Monthly Net Cost Renewal 5 $ $5 $25 $ $40.11 $699.54

16 Passport Area Minimum Employee Count Initial Card Fee Rebate Net Cost Monthly Net Cost Renewal Hill 20 $ $5 $15 $ $39.32 $791.63

17 Choice vs. Passport Example Cost Comparison The following chart demonstrates the range of options available to an employer located in the Downtown Central Business District interested in subsidizing an employee s One-Zone Metro pass. Passport costs reflect first-year CBD price net of card fee, rebate and federal tax savings. Choice costs reflect federal tax savings. Assumes employee is a single employee with a taxable annual income of $50,000 If Employer: Cost to Employee Cost to Employer Does Nothing $99 $0 Administers pre-tax benefit $83 Saves $8 Subsidizes $50 per month + administers pre-tax $33 $46 benefit Purchases ORCA Passport and pays 50% (employee $19 $26 uses pre-tax) Purchases ORCA Passport and pays $0 $56 100% Subsidizes 100% of monthly pass $0 $99 Note the significant cost savings for both the employee and the employer associated with ORCA Passport compared to retail pricing. ORCA Business programs are Federal Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefits. Note that when an employee pays for his or her portion of a pass with pre-tax dollars, the employee saves federal withholding and FICA payroll taxes on the amount deducted. The employer saves paying FICA on the amount deducted.

18 Contact Information Commute Seattle is available to you and your business as a one-stop-resource for sustainable transportation products, services, and incentives in downtown Seattle. Feel free to contact us to learn more about ORCA Business Account options and other resources available to help make your employees commute more convenient, affordable and sustainable. Commute Seattle Staff: Jessica Szelag Executive Director [email protected] Mike Rimoin Business Development Manager [email protected] Brendan Lemkin Parking Outreach Manager [email protected] Office Location: Commute Seattle th Avenue, Suite 900 Seattle, Washington Phone: Fax: [email protected] Heidi Speight Marketing and Outreach Coordinator [email protected] Danielle Abbott Program Manager [email protected] Joseph Bellanca CTR Services Specialist [email protected] Billy Duss CTR Services Coordinator [email protected] Hannah Faires Events and Outreach Coordinator [email protected] Matthew Trecha ORCA Passport Sales Specialist [email protected]