As we inch closer towards the new year, Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP) has started planning for 2024 to continue assisting employers in implementing and enhancing different types of commuter programs and transportation initiatives. Arlington County offers a wide variety of transportation options that make commuting easier and less stressful, and ATP can make it easier for you and your employees to navigate transportation in 2024. Below are some trends to look out for as you plan your transportation initiatives next year.
Updated Limits for Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits
The IRS announced earlier this year that starting in 2024, employees utilizing commuter benefits may now allocate up to $315 per month in pre-tax income for commuting costs. This is an additional $15 per month or $150 per year increase from the previous limit that employees can spend on the various transit options in the region. If you have employees regularly taking the metro or participating in a vanpool, these are just two of the many options that employees can use their commuter benefit for.
Why offer a commuter benefit?
Offering a pre-tax commuter benefits helps both employees and employers to save money in the long-run. These deductions allow the employee to save on FICA payroll taxes, while employers also save on paying FICA.
Reach out to your ATP representative today if you’d like assistance with setting up a pre-tax commuter benefit at your workplace.
More E-Bikes with Capital Bikeshare
Working and commuting in Arlington, it’s likely that you’ve seen the iconic red bikes of the premier bike-sharing system in the region, Capital Bikeshare (CaBi). CaBi is always working to improve the user experience and give value to all kinds of riders.
In the second half of 2023, a series of new gray E-Bikes made their way into the region which boast accessibility improvements and a stronger motor to make it easier for any rider to bike their way up even Arlington’s steepest of hills.
As e-bikes continue to grow in popularity, consider reaching out to ATP to assist you in implementing a CaBi Corporate Membership.
More Corals for E-Scooter and E-Bike Parking
Shared mobility devices like scooters and dockless ebikes have revolutionized how many people in Arlington get around.
To help alleviate the crowding on the sidewalks and safety hazards, Arlington County has installed more than 100 bicycle and scooter parking corrals – mostly on streets – as safe places for people to park scooters and bicycles upright and out of the way of people and cars.
Riders are encouraged to park in one of the facilities, in the map below, after every shared scooter or ebike trip, when possible. These corrals are public and can be used to park your privately owned bikes and scooters, too.
New Metro Railcars
Just this month, Metro began an undertaking that will gradually see newer, more reliable railcars introduced into their fleet throughout 2024 and beyond. It is Metro’s plan to replace the wheels on all 7K-series railcars, the newest type of railcar that Metro currently offers, in order to return more to service. This process will eventually allow Metro to transition older railcars out of service in favor of the newer 7K railcars.
The replacing of wheels is a lengthy process, and as such, Metro currently expects to implement approximately twenty 7K railcars a month. Metro commuters and enjoyers can expect to see gradual increases in reliability and comfort throughout 2024 as these new railcars continue to be phased in while older railcars are phased out.
Navigating the Metro can be stressful for new and experienced riders alike – ATP can provide you information and resources at your workplace to promote public transportation as a commute option for all.
Stay Ahead of the Competition
ATP understands that keeping up with the ever-evolving world of transportation can be daunting. That’s why we’re here as your one-stop-shop to learn more about the various options that are currently offered in the region, as well as being a resource to assist you in the navigation and implementation of transportation programs.
Work with ATP to ensure that the transportation needs of your employees are being met as the transportation options surrounding them continue to evolve.
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/Kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners
