Insight
Commuting and the Rising Energy Costs
May 26, 2022
As gas prices increase, a shift to greener modes is emerging as a key strategy to reduce both commuting costs and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Government initiatives are aiming to electrify the transportation industry in order to help meet climate goals. Organizations can embrace less carbon intensive alternatives by offering their employees commuter benefits to incentivize carpooling, micromobility vehicles, and public transportation. Sustainable commuter benefits cut gas costs for organizations and their employees while promoting a greener future for everyone.
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Transportation-related emissions have a huge role to play in addressing climate change. The transportation sector alone contributes 20% of total GHG emissions with a majority of from cars and trucks. Movements to redesign cities to better promote active transportation, public transportation and electric vehicles are gaining traction alongside broader efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 °C (or 2.7°F).
As offices reopen, daily commuting is picking back up. Higher than ever gas prices highlight the heavy financial burden that driving to work imposes on employees and their employers alike. As of May 26, a gallon of unleaded gas costs $4.60 in the United States. This is a 42% increase from just one year ago, prompting Americans to look toward public transit or e-bikes and e-cargo bikes as more affordable options.
A recent report by the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), highlights that the surge in gas prices is making electric cars three to six times cheaper to operate than gas-powered vehicles in the United States. EV adoption is on the rise and 83% of respondents in an Auto Pacific study cite lower energy costs as the main motivation for switching to electric.
This natural consumer shift adds momentum to the public sector’s steps towards vehicle electrification, with Biden’s infrastructure bill standing out for its emphasis on reducing GHGs costs related to EVs. The proposal calls for $174 billion in investment for EVs to spur domestic supply chains, support workers in making batteries and EVs, and build better infrastructure. The investment includes $7.5 billion to build a national network of 50,000 EV chargers by 2030 and $100 billion in consumer incentives and sales rebates.
Better commuter benefits are the perfect way for organizations to support employees returning to the office. With surging gas prices, drive-alone commuters are wasting both time and money. Commuter benefits incentivizing greener modes help employers join the fight against global climate change. Fleet can help you and your employees save money and time, and reduce your organization-wide carbon footprint with flexible commuter benefits.
We are powering the future of sustainable commuting by providing green mobility options. Empower your employees to save high gas, parking and car ownership costs by accessing our customizable commuting programs that promote sustainability-related savings, government subsidies, and corporate discounts for shared micromobility memberships and personal micromobility vehicles.
Schedule a demo with us today to promote a greener future and beat the high gas prices.
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