The Rising Cost of Commutingby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 03 Aug 2008 08:02 PM Did you know Americans spend more than 100 hours a year commuting to work? If you spend countless hours in your vehicle driving to and from work each day then you know the affects a long commute can have on your wallet. Those hours on the road burn up time and money. And with the current state of our economy making headlines everyday many companies throughout the country are being forced to address the challenges associated with commuting. A new survey just released found that 57% of companies in the United States are now offering at least one program designed to ease the cost of commuting. Human resource directors say the program joins retirement plans, medical coverage, and on-site daycare and gyms as a benefit for working with a specific company. Employment recruiters say with the price of gas and food skyrocketing these days more and more workers are asking their companies for help and an increasing number of employers are responding, namely because they can't afford to lose their best people. Some of the solutions being offered by various companies include giving employees the option of working four 10-hour days as opposed to 5 8-hour days. Research shows a condensed workweek cuts down on money spent on gas and gives workers more time to spend with their families. Other options include company organized carpools, subsidized public transportation, and telecommuting. Some companies have gone the extra mile by purchasing bicycles for employees who rather commute on two wheels rather than ride on four. Employers that offer the bike benefit say workers are encouraged to use the bikes to commute to the office, exercise during lunch breaks or pedal to a meeting. If your company doesn't offer gas-saving benefits yet, experts say to be assertive and suggest the idea to your human resources director. Even if your employer can't afford to offer a company-wide program there is a chance that you can work out something individually. Does your company offer a gas-saving benefit program? If so what does it entail? Gas card prizes, monthly transportation stipends, shuttle services? Related Articles: Travel Tales: How Not to Cut Down on Your Gas Bill Sunday Travel Funnies: Gas and Giggles Travel Tales: Kids Rebel Against High Gas Prices It's a Gas---Even More Hotels Helping You Save This Summer It's a Gas---Hotels Helping You Save This Summer: Go West It's a Gas---Hotels Helping You Save This Summer Affordable Fourth of July Family Getaways Saving Money While Celebrating the Fourth with Family on the Road Family-Friendly Summer Travel Bargains Summer Travel 2008-Gas Tank Getaways Part 2 Summer Travel 2008--Gas Tank Getaways Summer Travel: Unique Ways to Save Money on Gas Saving on Summer Travel-It is Possible Part 2 Saving on Summer Travel--It is Possible Kid-Friendly Hotels Getting Friendlier Fueling Your Summer Vacation with Gas Savers Save Money on Gas---Buy a New Car Saving on Summer Travel: Take the Bus Does "E" Really Mean Your Car is Empty? Do You Visit Gas Tracker Sites? The Great American Gas Out Fizzles Out Pop Quiz: Test Your Fuel Savings IQ Want To Save Money At The Pump? LOSE WEIGHT! Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 1 Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags Commuting, carpool, companies, incentive program, Travel Discuss this article
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