Our award-winning Employer Services team provides complimentary consultations to businesses starting or enhancing their commuter benefits programs.
From transit benefits to secure bike parking, we make it easy for your employees to choose sustainable, affordable and healthy ways to get to work.
Need assistance creating commuter benefits programs, complying with local transportation ordinances, or helping your employees commute? Schedule a complimentary consultation with our team.
Training and support for organizations implementing arrangements to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips to their worksites, in general and during rush hour peaks.
Complimentary consultations and educational resources to help your organization become compliant with the DC Parking Cashout Law.
Complimentary consultations and resources to help your company comply. Download our DC Commuter Benefits Law toolkit to get started.
Custom online or on-site education about sustainable transportation choices and commute options, available upon request.
Get Around Guides mapping your nearby transportation options, commuter benefit templates and brochure ordering services.
Presentations and event or fair exhibits, tailored to your employees’ unique transportation needs, available upon request.
Assistance providing discounted Capital Bikeshare Corporate Memberships to encourage employees to bike to work. Learn more or enroll now.
Unique commuter surveys polling your employees’ travel patterns to uncover results and identify program recommendations, available upon request.
Solutions to all of your organization’s bicycling needs, from secure bike storage to employee bike benefit implementation.
Commute surveys, custom commute resources and information workshops to help ease the transition to a new office. Use the relocation guide to get started.
From commuter surveys to zip code analyses, goDCgo can help you facilitate carpooling and vanpooling at your workplace.
TRANSPORTATION ALL-STAR PROGRAM
Get the recognition you deserve and gain award winning status by becoming a goDCgo Transportation All-Star! This program recognizes DC organizations (Employers, Hotels, Residential Properties, and K-12 Schools) for their commitment to sustainable transportation. Based on the sustainable programs you have in place, like commuter benefits/subsidies and educating employees about their travel options, you can earn a designation ranging from bronze to platinum and receive special perks and honors.
The DC Parking Cashout Law requires District employers with 20 or more covered employees that offer a parking benefit to their employees to either: 1) offer a Clean Air Fringe Benefit to employees offered the parking benefit, 2) develop a transportation demand management plan, or 3) pay a Clean Air Compliance fee.
Get started by browsing goDCgo’s compliance resources and materials to the left or get complimentary compliance help from goDCgo’s Employer Services team.
All District employers with 20 or more covered employees are covered by the law.
All District employers with 20 or more covered employees need to report annually or biennially showing their compliance or exemption.
Helpful Tip for 2025: All covered District employers must report by January 15, 2025.
Where Do I Report My Compliance?
DC employers must report their compliance or exemption using DDOT’s reporting dashboard.
How Do I Use the Reporting Portal?
For more information on how to report your compliance or exemption, watch the recording of our DC Parking Cashout Law webinar.
Browse the resources below or get complimentary compliance help from goDCgo’s Employer Services team. Schedule your compliance meeting to get started.
Overwhelmed by all the resources or not sure how to get started? If you’re new to the DC Parking Cashout Law use the following resources to get an overview of the law.
Try Capital Bikeshare Corporate for Free
Capital Bikeshare’s Corporate program lets you offer your employees discounted rates on Capital Bikeshare (CaBi) memberships as an added benefit! For those interested but not sure if the corporate program is right for them, you can try it FREE for 30 days through goDCgo.
The program is designed to help you gauge whether CaBi Corporate would be highly utilized at your workplace. After the 30-day trial, we use your employees’ trip data to help you decide whether CaBi Corporate is a good fit for your team. We’ll also provide you with up to 5 helmets to give to participating employees!
Commuter benefits are transportation fringe benefits regulated under Section 132(f) of the IRS Tax Code, allowing employees to reduce their monthly commuting expenses for transit, vanpool, and parking. Employers can offer employees a range of pre-tax or subsidized transit benefits, as well as a host of related perks such as secure bike parking and assistance finding a carpool.
In DC, employers with 20 or more employees, must provide commuter benefits. See DC Commuter Benefits Law below for details.
This law requires organizations and businesses with 20 or more employees who work in the District to offer commuter transit benefits—pre-tax or subsidized—for use on Metrorail, local and express buses, commuter trains and vanpools. Employer-provided transportation also complies with the Law.
Passed by the DC Council as part of the Sustainable DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2014, the Law aims to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions by reducing DC’s drive-alone rate. Similar to laws in San Francisco, New York and other metropolitan cities, this measure helps to reduce rush hour demands on our region’s roadways and expand access to public transit.
1. Pre-tax Commuter Benefits: Employees can deduct up to $325 per month from their paycheck before taxes and use it towards Metrorail, bus, commuter rail and vanpool fares.
2. Subsidized Commuter Benefits: Employers may offer financial support in the form of a fringe benefit (employee is not taxed) specifically to fund an employee’s daily commute.
For information on the treatment of certain fringe benefits, including qualified fringe benefits, review the IRS 2019 Publication 15-B, the Employer’s Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits.
Transit benefits can be administered in-house at no cost through WMATA’s SmartBenefits® program. On a monthly basis, pre-tax or subsidized funds are auto-loaded onto an employee’s SmarTrip® card for use on most regional transportation. If your employee(s) do not currently have a WMATA SmarTrip® card, they can conveniently purchase one online. Set up your organization’s SmartBenefits® account in the employer portal. Collect and enter employees’ SmarTrip® serial numbers and requested contribution amounts online by the 15th of the month. Funds appear on employees’ cards on the 1st of the following month. Watch the FICA and payroll tax savings roll in with praise from your satisfied employees!
3. Employer Provided Transportation
Employer provided transportation such as shuttles and vanpools also comply with the law. Contact goDCgo to learn more about these options.
Effective November 14, 2019, businesses operating in Washington, DC that are not in compliance with the DC Commuter Benefits Law, will be subject to fines. The Department of Employment Services (DOES) is enforcing the DC Commuter Benefits Law and can answer questions regarding compliance and enforcement. Please contact DOES, Office of Wage-Hour at 202-671-1880 or OWH.ask@dc.gov.
For the first offense, each month that a business is not in compliance could result in a fine of $100 per covered employee. Repeat offenders would see fines of $200 per employee for the second offense, $400 per employee for the third offense, and $800 per employee for subsequent offenses.
DC Commuter Benefits Law Education
Employer Commuter Benefits Toolkit
DC Commuter Benefits Law Infographic
Employee Communication Templates
Commuter Benefits Reminder Email
Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits Announcement ENGLISH | SPANISH
Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits Infographic ENGLISH | SPANISH
DC Commuter Benefits Law Official Text
Full Text of the Law
Employee Notice for the Sustainable DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2015
Notice of Final Rulemaking
Reduced Cost and Tax Savings
-Save up to 9% on FICA payroll taxes
-Reduce employee commute costs by up to $1,200 in taxable income and out-of-pocket commute expenses
Recruitment and Retention
-Increase job satisfaction and improve employee retention
-Promote healthy, active transportation and lower healthcare costs
-Help reduce employee stress from commuting and related expenses
Sustainability and Recognition
-Be seen as forward-thinking and committed to being a green workplace
-Compete for elite designations like Best Workplaces for Commuters and Bicycle Friendly Business
-Earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits
Employers may provide a benefit to cover bicycle-related expenses. The benefit can be managed internally by reimbursing employees for bicycle-related expenses or by providing a monthly voucher, redeemable at local bike shops.
The Bicycle Commuter Benefit is only available as an employer-paid benefit. Employees can receive both the transit benefit and bicycle benefit in the same month. Access to a transit benefit and a bike benefit will have the most impact on an employee’s decision to travel to work sustainably.
Effective January 1, 2018, individuals who participate in an Employer-Provided Bicycle Benefit must report the benefit as taxable income.
Alternative work arrangements are an increasingly popular way to ease the challenges of commuting. These innovative business strategies allow work to be performed outside of the traditional eight hour, five-day, office work week, allowing for both increased productivity and better work-life balance. Contact goDCgo for complimentary support establishing and administering an alternative work arrangement at your workplace.
Alternative work scheduling allows employees to shift work schedules to avoid rush hour, accommodate personal appointments or complete their work in fewer days.
Flexible scheduling allows employees to arrive or leave work at different times, giving more flexibility for appointments and responsibilities outside of the workplace.
Staggered work hours shift employees’ schedules from the normal starting time by 15 minutes or up to two hours, to help employees avoid rush-hour traffic congestion. Staggered schedules are determined on a departmental or individual basis:
Compressed schedules allow employees to complete their work hours over fewer days. Two schedule configurations are common:
Watch our webinar recording to understand alternative approaches to traditional work hours.
goDCgo Transportation All-Stars
The goDCgo Transportation All-Star program recognizes DC organizations for their commitment to sustainable transportation. Employers, hotels, schools, and residential properties that offer robust transportation benefit programs and/or amenities can earn recognition for their efforts. Help your organization stand out in your industry by gaining an All-Star designation.
Encouraging your employees to bike is a great way to promote a healthy workforce and an environmentally-friendly travel mode. Develop a bike culture by hosting monthly bike commuter breakfasts, participating in the region’s Bike to Work Day celebrations and starting a Bike Buddy program to help novice cyclists learn from the veterans. From bike rack installation to employee bike benefits, contact goDCgo for complimentary support as you improve your organization’s bike appeal!
Employers may provide a bicycle benefit to cover bicycle-related expenses. Employees who participate in any employer-provided bicycle benefits program will have to report the benefit as taxable income.
Companies can make it easy for staff to bike to work, around town for meetings or just for fun. Each one-year employee membership includes unlimited 45-minute rides and is a low-cost benefit to add to your wellness initiatives and commute program. Learn more by downloading the flyer below or enroll now.
Prominently display helpful, informational materials to show your commitment to bike commuting. Request free DC Bike Maps, Capital Bikeshare brochures and bike safety guides for your front desk and new employee orientation packets.
Having a convenient place to shower and change clothes removes one barrier to biking. Work with your building management to add facilities or allow free access to gym locker rooms for bike commuters.
Secure bike parking for employees inside your building gives a rider peace of mind when they bike to work. Under DC’s Bike Parking Regulations, bike parking is required in all buildings with car parking. Submit a request to your building management team.
Placing bike racks in front of your business attracts customers and reduces the demand for parking. Standard bike racks are provided by DDOT at no cost, while custom art racks can be purchased for $500-$1,500. Request a free bike rack assessment from DDOT.
The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) provides Everyday Biking Seminars* and Confident City Cycling classes. WABA can also customize a ride or class to support your organization’s unique location and culture. *Everyday Biking Seminars are free for Capital Bikeshare Corporate Members.
Installing a transit display in your reception area or lobby provides employees with real-time information about Capital Bikeshare bike and dock availability around your office. Contact TransitScreen® or Redmon Group to get started.
The goDCgo Transportation All-Star program recognizes DC organizations for their commitment to sustainable transportation. Employers, hotels, schools, and residential properties that offer robust transportation benefit programs and/or amenities can earn recognition for their efforts. Help your organization stand out in your industry by gaining an All-Star designation.
The League of American Bicyclists’ elite Bicycle-Friendly Business designation acknowledges organizations that promote biking as a healthy, sustainable and fun form of transportation. goDCgo can help you earn points towards the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum designation through fun activities, better bike parking, customized messaging and more.
The Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program provides commuters who regularly (twice a week) bike to work with a FREE reliable ride home, up to four times per year, for emergencies or unscheduled overtime. Maintain productivity, increase morale and continue the flow of business by encouraging participation in GRH. goDCgo can help you promote the program by providing customized marketing materials and hosting on-site events to answer questions regarding the service. Contact us for more information.
From commuter benefits to real-time transit displays, transit-friendly employer programs help maintain a competitive edge in today’s market while giving employees the work-life balance they need. Contact goDCgo for complimentary support creating a transit-friendly program that meets the unique needs of your organization.
Commuters can deduct up to $325 per month from their paycheck before taxes and use it towards Metrorail, bus, commuter rail and vanpool fares. Many employers choose to subsidize commuters’ transit fares or mix-and-match subsidies and pre-tax deductions. For more information, see Commuter Benefits section.
Displays provide real-time arrival and departure information specific to your office’s location. Make it easy for employees to catch the next bus or train by installing a real-time transit display in your reception area or lobby. Contact TransitScreen® or Redmon Group to get started.
Make the most of your transit-friendly location by prominently displaying transportation maps for employees and visitors. Request free Metrorail, bus, MARC and VRE brochures for your front desk and new employee orientation packets.
Employees can conveniently buy a SmarTrip® card online with any major credit or debit card. SmarTrip® cards can also be purchased at any Metrorail station or at Metro sales offices, retail outlets and commuter stores.
The Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program provides commuters who regularly (twice a week) take transit to work with a FREE reliable ride home, up to four times per year, for emergencies or unscheduled overtime. Maintain productivity, increase morale and continue the flow of business by encouraging participation in GRH. goDCgo can help you promote the program by providing customized marketing materials and hosting on-site events to answer questions regarding the service. Contact us for more information.
Commuters who share the ride arrive to work less stressed and exhibit higher productivity. If you own or lease parking facilities for employees, each employee who carpools or vanpools could also save your company up to 9% on employee payroll taxes. Contact goDCgo for additional assistance setting up a rideshare program and incentives at your office.
The most common form of ridesharing, carpooling is an arrangement by a group of commuters to drive together in one commuter’s personal car to their worksite(s). Carpools usually consist of individuals who live and work near each other and have the same schedule.
Vanpool commuters pay a monthly fare and drive together in a leased van to their worksite(s). Vanpools often originate at a park-and-ride lot and allow commuters to get the cost savings and convenience of public transit in areas with limited transit options. Vanpools are often the fastest and most cost-effective mode of travel for commuters traveling more than 15-20 miles to work.
The IRS allows vanpool commuters in minivans and full-size vans (seven to 15 passengers) to use commuter transit benefits toward vanpool fares. Employers may offer a pre-tax deduction or subsidy of up to $325 per month. Most regional vanpool providers accept SmartBenefits® as payment. For more information on setting up a vanpool program, see Commuter Benefits section.
Employers may offer an additional, taxable incentive to employees who carpool and do not qualify for existing transit or vanpool benefits programs.
Carpool and vanpool commuters can earn cash incentives through the Commuter Connections ‘Pool Rewards program for each day they share the ride. New carpools and vanpools can earn up to $150 per month for choosing to share a ride to work.
Conduct a survey or use employee zip codes to identify commuters who live near each other and would be willing to share the ride to work. Commuter Connections’ Ridematching service can also help find matches outside of your office.
Encourage employees to share the ride by reserving prime parking spaces or offering discounted parking to those who carpool or vanpool.
Show off your commitment to ridesharing by prominently displaying helpful informational materials in your reception area and in employee orientation packets. Request free Commuter Connections and vanpool provider brochures.
goDCgo Transportation All-Stars
The goDCgo Transportation All-Star program recognizes DC organizations for their commitment to sustainable transportation. Employers, hotels, schools, and residential properties that offer robust transportation benefit programs and/or amenities can earn recognition for their efforts. Help your organization stand out in your industry by gaining an All-Star designation.
The Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program provides commuters who regularly (twice a week) take transit to work with a FREE reliable ride home, up to four times per year, for emergencies or unscheduled overtime. Maintain productivity, increase morale and continue the flow of business by encouraging participation in GRH. goDCgo can help you promote the program by providing customized marketing materials and hosting on-site events to answer questions regarding the service. Contact us for more information.
Walking programs are a great way to energize and motivate your employees while cutting down on insurance and health care costs. Help your employees choose the healthiest, most sustainable mode of transportation there is—their own two feet! After all, the District has been designated a Gold-level Walk-Friendly Community. From supplemental commuter benefits to walking meetings and company-wide walk challenges, there’s a lot your organization can do to encourage walking to or during work. Contact goDCgo for complimentary resources, information and services to build a custom walking program at your workplace.
Prominently display helpful, informational materials to encourage walking to or during work. Request free walking brochures and pedestrian safety guides for your front desk and new employee orientation packets.
Having a convenient place to shower and change clothes encourages employees to walk or run to the office. Work with your building management to add facilities or allow free access to gym locker rooms.
Health and transportation fairs are the perfect opportunity to distribute information about walking initiatives, groups and meetups. Request goDCgo attendance for help answering questions at your event.
These national workplace walking programs offer ready-made resources to help establish your business as a walk-friendly workplace.
Established by BlueCross BlueShield, WalkingWorks provides guidelines, resources and tips to help motivate employees to integrate walking into their everyday routine.
Start! The American Heart Association’s workplace walking program helps companies encourage employees to walk by setting up walking routes and routines.
Every Body Walk focuses on working walking into all aspects of daily life. This site provides resources to promote walking at your workplace, including a walking pledge, helpful maps and health information.
Held annually on the first Friday in April, National Walk to Work Day encourages participants to walk for all or part of their commute.
Organized by BlueCross BlueShield and held on the last Wednesday in April, National Walk at Lunch Day aims to establish new workplace walking routines, helping employees improve their health step-by-step.
The Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program provides commuters who regularly (twice a week) take transit to work with a FREE reliable ride home, up to four times per year, for emergencies or unscheduled overtime. Maintain productivity, increase morale and continue the flow of business by encouraging participation in GRH. goDCgo can help you promote the program by providing customized marketing materials and hosting on-site events to answer questions regarding the service. Contact us for more information.
Employers who provide free or subsidized parking may offer employees a taxable cash payment in lieu of a parking space. This flexible commuter benefit, often referred to as a parking cash-out, encourages employees to use alternative commute modes and helps reduce a company’s parking costs. Offering daily parking rates, as opposed to weekly or monthly passes, also allows employees flexibility to adjust their daily travel choices to work. Contact goDCgo for complimentary support establishing and administering parking management strategies at your office.
The DC Parking Cashout Law, also known as the DC Transportation Benefits Equity Act of 2020, requires businesses in DC with 20 or more employees that lease their parking to either offer a Clean Air Fringe Benefit to employees receiving a free or reduced-cost parking space at work, develop a transportation demand management plan, or pay a Clean Air Compliance fee.
Parking cashout is a type of commuter benefit where an employer offers their employees the option to receive monetary compensation in lieu of a free or subsidized parking space. In the DC Parking Cashout Law, employers must specifically offer a Clean Air Transportation Fringe Benefit equal to or greater than the cost of their parking subsidy, meaning that a parking space valued at $250 per month would equal to a $250 cash subsidy in lieu of the parking space to the employee from the employer
DC PARKING CASHOUT EMPLOYER FLYER
DC PARKING CASHOUT EMPLOYEE INFOGRAPHIC
WEBINAR: Complying with DC Parking Cashout Law
The goDCgo Transportation All-Star program recognizes DC organizations for their commitment to sustainable transportation. Employers, hotels, schools, and residential properties that offer robust transportation benefit programs and/or amenities can earn recognition for their efforts. Help your organization stand out in your industry by gaining an All-Star designation.
Isobel helps manage the Employer Services Program, working with District employers find sustainable transportation to their commuting challenges. She loves the DC area and people, and is passionate about making this region even more sustainable, accessible, and equitable. Contact Isobel regarding any employer commuting questions, comments, or concerns.
301.917.3572
Employer Outreach Coordinator
Doriann helps manage the Employers Services Program, working with District employers find sustainable transportation to their commuting challenges. She wants to make DC an event better place to live, work and play by making sustainable transportation easy and accessible. Call Doriann with your commuter benefit questions.
202.643.3114
Employer Outreach Coordinator
Get in touch to take advantage of our complimentary services. We’ll work together to create a commute-friendly workplace for your employees.
Book a complimentary consultation to receive assistance with your commuter benefits program or assistance to comply with a local TDM ordinance.
We’ll work together to create a commute-friendly workplace for your employees.
Subscribe to the goDCgo Employer Newsletter to receive the latest news about what’s happening with commuter benefits in DC!
2024 Transportation All-Star Awards
The Transportation All-Star Awards is an annual ceremony hosted by goDCgo to recognize DC organizations for their exceptional commitment in promoting sustainable transportation. Check out this year’s awardees!
As the DC Parking Cashout Law reporting deadline (January 15, 2025) approaches, many District employers have chosen their compliance option and are beginning the reporting process. This can be a daunting task for those who have never reported before, which is why we’ve created a comprehensive overview on how to get started and how to report for each compliance option.
With the DC Parking Cashout Law reporting deadline approaching on January 15, 2025, employers across the District are asking: do I need to report my compliance this year and what do I report? This reporting cycle, all District employers with 20 or more covered employees* need to report.
To continue to improve air quality and traffic congestion in the District, the Transportation Benefits Equity Amendment Act of 2020, also referred to as the DC Parking Cashout Law, was signed into law by Mayor Bowser in April 2020. This law encourages sustainable transportation use and aims to reduce the number of commuters driving alone to work in the District. Read on to learn about the most important things you need to know about this law.
A big thank you to everyone who participated in our 2023 goDCgo Commuter Challenge. Over the last three months challenge 565 participants logged 38,062 sustainable trips; reducing 88 tons of CO2 in the District, burning 2.5 million calories, and saving $100,000 collectively. Choosing to commute around the District sustainably may seem like a small effort but together these choices have a huge impact! Thank you to our challenge participants for doing their part to help DC become the healthiest, greenest, and most livable city in the nation!
Sponsors!
Another big thank you to our sponsors! Without them we couldn't have had such a fun an amazing commuter challenge. From free food coupons and complimentary dinners to staycations and sporting event tickets, our sponsors provided us with amazing monthly prizes.
Read the latest report from the UK's Four Day Work Week trial published Feb 2023
As many employers have transitioned back to the worksite, the four-day work week has become a popular topic. In fact, the number of ZipRecruiter jobs that mention four-day work weeks is up 67% this year. This comes as no surprise to employers watching the trends, as 66% of US workers report wanting to work fewer than 5 days a week, and 85% approve of moving to a four-day work week. In addition to the four-day work week’s favorability among employees, there are many pilots occurring globally in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and some in the United States that are showing the four-day work week is beneficial for companies and management; reporting increases in productivity, greater ability to attract and retain talent, and improvements in company loyalty.
With the January 2023 DC Parking Cashout reporting deadline in the rearview mirror, it’s time for employers to start preparing for what’s to come. The next step for employers varies based on which compliance option your organization chose. To help you navigate your next steps, we’ve outlined below what you need to do over the next year for each compliance option and exemption, and for those organizations that missed the deadline.
Read our newest blog for updates on reporting and FAQs.
To continue to improve air quality and reduce the number of commuters driving to work in the District, an amendment to the Sustainable DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2014 was signed into law by Mayor Bowser in April 2020. The new law titled the Transportation Benefits Equity Amendment Act of 2020 requires all employers who offer free or subsidized parking benefits and have 20 or more employees to comply with the law and submit a report to DDOT. New regulations can be confusing for impacted businesses and goDCgo is here to help your organization become compliant.
This blog references DC Circulator. Please note, as of 1/1/2025, DC Circulator no longer provides bus service.
In honor of this year's Black History Month, goDCgo wants to shine a spotlight on some of the African American leaders and professionals who help shape transportation in the District today. From city infrastructure, sustainable transportation promotions, transit operations, vehicle management, road safety, bike education, and much more, they're involved in nearly every aspect of DC's transportation systems and make a strong impact on the commute options that we use every day including Capital Bikeshare, DC Circulator, Metrobus, Metrorail, and even personal bike riding experiences.
As an initiative of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), goDCgo's top priority is to encourage the use of sustainable transportation among DC commuters, residents, and visitors by providing complimentary resources and consulting services that help raise awareness and educate the public about the many ways to get around the city besides driving alone. Our goal serves to decrease traffic congestion, improve air quality, and create a better quality of life for everyone in the DC area.
Thank you and congratulations to all the DC employers and commuters who participated in the goDCgo Commuter Challenge! Participating organizations included GoRove Slade, Brookfield Properties, American College of Cardiology, Ballard Spahr LLP, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), So Others Might Eat (SOME), and Washington Gas. This year, commuters that were unaffiliated with a participating employer were also allowed to sign up. We hope everyone enjoyed the competition and was inspired to turn this challenge into a lifestyle.
