Launched one year ago, TransLink’s Transit-Friendly Employer (TFE) program has now certified 28 local Canadian organizations.

Collectively, these employers have provided nearly 7,000 subsidized transit passes to employees in the region.

“We’re encouraged to see more local companies joining the transit-friendly movement,” said Kevin Quinn, TransLink’s CEO. “By partnering with leading organizations, we’ve helped provide transit options for 7,000 employees across the region. TransLink will continue working with organizations around Metro Vancouver to reduce our collective carbon footprint by providing innovative solutions such as the Transit-Friendly Employer program.”

About the TFE Program

TFE recognizes leading local employers with a certification stamp for supporting transit and contributing to a cleaner environment. For employers, providing subsidized transit passes to employees helps organizations increase their recruitment and retention. The TFE program also helps make employee travel easy, affordable, and climate friendly.

This fall, 12 organizations have been newly certified in the program. To become a Transit-Friendly Employer, organizations must subsidize at least 50% of the cost of an employee’s transit pass, while employees pay the remainder.

Large companies — with over 200 staff — need to sign up at least 10% of employees. For smaller employers, a minimum 25% of employees must enroll.

TFE is part of TransLink for Organizations, which continues to provide sustainable travel solutions for workers across the region. As employee commuting can often contribute to significant greenhouse gas emissions, TFE offers an opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint of Metro Vancouver businesses.

Quick Facts about TFE

Some quick facts of the TFE program include:

• 20% of work trips in the region are made on public transit.

• If every TFE transit pass holder drove a car instead, there would be around 7,000 extra cars on the road — roughly equivalent to a line of cars from downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.

• Metro Vancouver employee parking lots can range as high as $115 per month.

• 75% of employers that approached TransLink about the TFE program indicated an immediate interest in providing transit benefits to staff.