Employee commuter programs have become a critical component of a modern workplace, designed to enhance the daily commuting experience for employees while contributing to a more sustainable and efficient environment. To successfully implement such programs, employers now have the opportunity to leverage advanced Software as a Service (SaaS) mobility platforms. These platforms not only help in developing effective strategies but also streamline the delivery and impact assessment of the commuter programs offered. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of launching a new employee commuter program, highlighting the benefits of aligning strategies with advanced technology.

Step 1: Define Your Objectives

Before you dive into implementing an employee commuter program, it's crucial to outline your goals. Do you want to reduce your company's carbon footprint, improve employee engagement, lower transportation costs, or reduce employee turnover? Clearly defined objectives will guide your strategy development and ensure the program's success.

Step 2: Develop a Comprehensive Strategy

Utilizing a SaaS mobility platform can be a game-changer in developing a comprehensive strategy. These platforms offer sophisticated tools for data analysis, making it easier to understand your employees' commuting needs. The best technology available can also provide valuable insights into employee preferences, route optimization, and scheduling, which will help you design a program tailored to your company's unique needs.

Step 3: Plan the Right Combination of Services

The most effective commuter programs involve a combination of services. These could include traditional options like fixed-line shuttles, carpooling, or biking, as well as modern solutions like demand-responsive dynamic shuttles, closed-loop car sharing or ride hailing services. Ideally, your mobility tech partner will support the planning, optimization, and customization of the right mix of services, ensuring that your employees have access to the best mobility options.

Step 4: Execute the Delivery of Services

The most comprehensive tech platforms simplify the execution of your commuter program. The platform automates various processes, from scheduling rides to managing resources. This not only reduces the manual workload on your Transportation Demand Management (TDM) team but also ensures a seamless and efficient service delivery.

Step 5: Report on Impact

One of the most significant advantages of using advanced SaaS mobility technology is the ability to collect and analyze data on your program's impact. Robust reporting tools allow you to measure the success of your program in real time. You can also track employee participation, cost savings, and even greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, demonstrating the positive outcomes of your program.

What to look for in a SaaS Partner

When looking for an ideal SaaS mobility partner to implement or improve your employee commuter programs, you want to find one that has each of the following characteristics. In each case, flexigo’s all-in-one platform performs above others in the market, making it the perfect place to start your search.

1. Advanced and Reliable: Time-tested and fully de-risked, flexigo's platform is the most advanced and reliable on the market, ensuring a seamless experience for employees. TDM administrators and drivers.
   
   
2. User-Friendly: Every flexigo interface – rider app, administrative portal, and driver app – is incredibly easy to use, simplifying the implementation and management of your commuter program.
   
   
3. Available Mobility Services: flexigo's platform helps expand the range of mobility services available to your employees, providing them with more choices and flexibility, making the adoption of these solutions easier than ever.
   
   
4. Best-In-Class Service Quality: With data-driven insights and optimization, flexigo enhances the quality of services you can deliver to your employees, making the commuting experience better for everyone.
   
   
5. Employee Engagement: A well-structured commuter program increases employee engagement, as it demonstrates the company's commitment to their well-being, and can make both talent attraction and retention easier for the organization.
   
   
6. Cost Savings: By automating many processes, improving the employee experience, and reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles used for commuting, flexigo reduces operational costs, turnover costs, and parking costs, ultimately providing an ROI positive solution that provides benefits that magnify the benefits to your bottom line.
   
   
7. GHG Emissions Reduction: By encouraging sustainable commuting options, you can reduce your company's overall GHG emissions, contributing to a greener future and progress toward your overall ESG goals.

Implementing a successful employee commuter program requires a strategic approach and the right technology. flexigo's SaaS mobility platform offers a comprehensive solution to help you plan, execute, and assess your program effectively. With the alignment of strategies and advanced technology, businesses can provide high-quality mobility services to their employees while reducing the manual workload on their TDM team members. If you're considering offering your first set of employee commuter benefits or looking to improve and expand your current offerings, flexigo is the ultimate partner for your journey toward a greener, more employee-friendly workplace.

By Dave Gallon - Managing Director US, flexigo