Innovative Program Develops Customized Transportation Solutions with Cost Savings for Employees and Employers

HAUPPAUGE, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 1, 2011 – HIA-LI, the recognized voice for business on Long Island, has announced a partnership with 511NY Rideshare to enhance member company employee benefits programs with transportation solutions that save employees time and money on their commute. 511NY Rideshare is Long Island’s one-stop resource for customized carpooling, vanpooling, public transportation and bike-to-work programs and services for employers and commuters. The partnership with 511NY Rideshare ties directly into HIA-LI’s mission of helping member companies reduce their carbon footprint, while simultaneously helping to improve productivity, reduce the cost of commuting, and provide employees with a wide array of transportation benefits. More information is available by contacting HIA-LI at 631-543-5355.

“HIA-LI is pleased to partner with 511NY Rideshare to offer this innovative transportation program to our member organizations,” said Terri Alessi-Miceli, HIA-LI president. “At a time of skyrocketing transportation costs, this is a welcome program that can result in savings for employees and employers.”

511NY Rideshare transportation experts tailor a personalized, easy-to-implement commute mobility plan, free of charge, to meet business requirements and employee commuting needs. Workplace commuter benefits programs include:

• Ride matching
• Carpooling
• Vanpool coordination
• Transit trip planning
• On-site Transportation Days
• Guaranteed Ride Program
• Promotion of pre-tax commuter benefit programs

511NY Rideshare representatives will survey employees’ commuting needs, calculate savings and identify options to produce a customized transportation solution with cost savings for employees and employers. The current commuter tax benefit program allows commuters who take transit, vanpool, or bike to work to pay for some of their commuting expenses with tax-free dollars.
Employers with at least 30 employees at a single work site may also apply for a Long Island Region Improving Commuting (LIRIC) Grant. The LIRIC Grant program helps employers create and implement programs that reduce traffic congestion and pollution during peak commuting times. Employers may be eligible for grants for qualifying projects and/or programs, including, but not limited to: carpool/vanpool/transit incentive programs, preferred parking, shuttle service (where applicable), telework and bike/walk-to-work programs.

About HIA-LI
HIA-LI helps Long Island businesses prosper. For over 30 years, we have been the recognized voice for business on Long Island and a powerful force and economic engine for regional development. We provide a forum for business leaders to network, problem solve and obtain advice on critical issues facing their businesses. Our member companies represent tens of thousands of business professionals. We’re headquartered in and support one of the largest industrial parks in the United States. HIA-LI programs and events promote strategic partnerships, targeted networking, and information sharing and business advocacy. Members benefit from our committees, educational programs, career resources, research capabilities, mentoring opportunities and business advisory services. For more information, visit https://www.hia-li.org or call 631-543-5355.

HIA-LI CONTACT:
Terri Alessi-Miceli, 631-543-5355, talessi@hia-li.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Angela Kambarian, Communication Strategy Group, 631-766-6810; akambarian@gocsg.com