Benefits
Valley Transit focuses on providing safe and reliable public transit services in the Fox Cities. In addition to mobility for community members, Valley Transit benefits the local economy, environment, public safety and public health. Listed below are benefits realized by individuals and the entire community.
Boosts the Local Economy
Approximately 54 percent of rides provided by Valley Transit are employment based. There is a real economic benefit to transporting riders to and from employment centers. According to a Wisconsin Department of Transportation study “The Socio-Economic Benefits of Transit in Wisconsin,” every $1 invested in public transit results in a $3 return in business sales and jobs. Public transit also generates savings for the healthcare, education and service economic sectors. Bus trips to school, hospitals and shopping impact have a positive impact on all economic sectors of the Fox Cities.
Valley Transit strives to partner with business to retain and attract talent to the region.
Encourages Healthier Habits
Valley Transit riders experience more physical activity each day by walking to and from their bus stops and destinations. Valley Transit buses include bike racks for riders that utilize a bike for a portion of their journey. Plus, riding the bus frees up time while someone else is doing the driving and removes the stress of driving.
Personal Savings
Use the calculator below to determine fuel savings from switching from an automobile to public transit.
https://www.publictransportation.org/tools-calculators/fuel-savings-calculator/
Reduces Emissions
Use the calculator below to determine the reduction in CO2 emissions by choosing public transit instead of a personal automobile.
https://www.publictransportation.org/tools-calculators/carbon-savings-calculator/
Supports Safe Communities
Travelling by bus is one of the safest modes of travel when compared to personal vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and walking. A full bus potentially takes 30 cars off of the road, which reduces traffic and makes roads safety for all travelers.
Valley Transit is a proud partner with emergency service agencies in the Fox Cities. In times of local emergencies, Valley Transit buses have been used to move people to safety and provide mobile warming/cooling shelters.
Tax Savings
The IRS allows employers and/or employees to set-aside pre-tax dollars to pay for expenses relating to commuting to and from work using public transit. This allows employers and employees to save on payroll taxes.
The pertinent law of the Internal Revenue Service (www.irs.gov) can be found in the Internal Revenue Code [(26 USC 132(f)]. Additional information is provided in Publication 15-B – “Employers Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits”.
To learn more, visit: https://www.nctr.usf.edu/programs/clearinghouse/commutebenefits/