Through a multi-faceted commute options program that includes subsidized vanpools, subsidized and discounted transit passes and compressed work weeks, The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) achieves 30-35 percent participation among its employees. Because of the use of alternate work schedules, the DOR has been able to expand its level of taxpayer service by opening its Customer Service Center at 7:30 a.m. and making telephone agents available for extended periods in the mornings and evenings.

When the agency moved from downtown to the I-85/Clairmont Road area in DeKalb County, employees were faced with limited transit options. Realizing the importance of maintaining travel options for employees, the DOR started a new shuttle to and from the Brookhaven MARTA station and greatly expanded its vanpool program. Before the move, the DOR had 40 vanpool riders in its program — in less than a year, that number more than doubled!

The Department reports that employee morale has improved. There were even some longtime staff members commuting from the south side of Atlanta who considered resigning because of the frustrating commute to the new location. However, when shuttles to the MARTA rail station were placed into service, those workers saw how easy their commutes could be. Today they’re still on the job…a clear sign that innovative commute options can help reduce costly staff turnover.