Commuter Benefit

Ordinance: SMC 14.30 Rules: SHRR Chapter 180

Commuter Benefit Ordinance Q & A

The City of Seattle passed a Commuter Benefit Ordinance, which became effective on January 1, 2020.

Businesses with 20 or more employees will be required to offer their employees the opportunity to make a monthly pre-tax payroll deduction for transit or vanpool expenses. The ordinance encourages commuters to use transit options other than single occupancy vehicles, thus reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. Because the deduction is pre-tax, the law has the added benefit of lowering the tax bills for both workers and businesses. OLS enforcement begins January 1, 2021.

The Office of Labor Standards looks forward to teaming up with Seattle's Department of Transportation, Commute Seattle and community partners to equip workers and businesses, including our small business community, with the information and tools to understand these new requirements.

Labor Standards

Steven Marchese, Director
Address: 810 3rd Avenue, Suite 375, Seattle, WA, 98104-1627
Phone: (206) 256-5297
laborstandards@seattle.gov

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The Office of Labor Standards enforces Seattle’s labor standards ordinances to protect workers and educate employers on their responsibilities.