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SEStran aims to extend bus-to-work savings scheme to smaller employers

Date: 14th August 2009

SEStran’s board is to consider a report recommending the extension of the bus-to-work savings scheme (formerly known as Salary Sacrifice), to enable employees working for smaller companies to participate.   

At present, only larger companies can operate the scheme.  This means that many workers who could benefit from cheaper travel to work are excluded. 

SEStran has been in talks with specialised performance improvement organisation P&MM (Performance & Motivation Management)  to seek ways of extending the benefit to smaller employers.

It is proposed that P&MM provide a “one stop shop” website to be operated  and managed by SEStran  

Councillor Russell Imrie, Chair of SEStran said: 

 “SEStran is anxious to see cheaper bus travel to work extended to as many employees as possible. It is clearly unfair that workers employed by smaller companies should not be able to take advantage of the significant savings that the bus-to-work scheme  offers. These can be typically around 35% of the cost of an annual bus pass for a basic rate tax payer”. 

“The extended scheme will be self-financing, with the small administration fees charged to the employer ploughed back into running the website and meeting administration costs”.  

“This is an excellent opportunity to encourage greater use of public transport and reduce traffic congestion throughout the region, while offering real financial benefits  to hard-pressed working people.” 

ENDS

SEStran - South East of Scotland Transport Partnership - is one of seven new Statutory Regional Transport Partnerships (RTP) created by the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 and is a partnership of eight local councils covering the Borders, the Lothians, Edinburgh, Fife, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Dougal, SEStran Communications Officer

T: 0131-524-5161

M: 07889-010-291

E: Andrew.dougal@sestran.gov.uk