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Recap: Touch a Truck Event at Burlington Mall

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 16:48:54 GMT

On May 11, the Burlington Mall hosted its popular Touch a Truck event at The Park, drawing families for a day of hands-on fun. The event featured a wide range of vehicles, from fire trucks and construction loaders to farm equipment, big rigs, RVs, and sleek cars.

TransAction’s Middlesex3TMA shuttle was present at the event, offering attendees a closer look at the Transportation Management Association (TMA) dedicated to improving transportation infrastructure within the M3 Corridor region . This shuttle service connects the MBTA at Alewife Station to various stops within the M3 Corridor, providing a vital link for commuters.

The Middlesex3TMA shuttle was a hit with visitors, who were keen to learn about their role in improving local transit. Representatives from TransAction were present to offer insights and answer questions, with M3TMA shuttle driver Tadd also on-site, adding a personal touch to the informative experience.

A special sensory-friendly hour from 9 am to 10 am ensured that children with sensory sensitivities could enjoy the event in a quieter, less crowded setting. This accommodation allowed everyone to participate comfortably.

The Touch a Truck event was not just about fun; it also provided a unique educational opportunity. Kids and adults alike enjoyed the chance to explore and learn about the different vehicles, making it a memorable day for all.

Overall, the event was a success, bringing the community together and offering a unique, interactive experience. We look forward to seeing what next year’s Touch a Truck will bring!

For Bikers, Spring is their Season

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:30:34 GMT

Get Ready to Ride: Bike Month is Here!

Spring is in full bloom! The days are longer, tulips are popping up, and if you have allergies, you might be sneezing a bit more. But there's good news for cyclists: the warmer weather means it's time to get back on the road. May is National Bike Month , and there's plenty to be excited about for bike enthusiasts in Massachusetts.

What is Bike Month?

National Bike Month , established in 1956, is all about celebrating the joy of cycling, promoting its health benefits, and encouraging more people to give it a try. A key part of this celebration is Bike to Work Week, which will take place from May 13 to 19 this year. Bike to Work Day is on the Friday of that week, May 17th.

What's Happening in Massachusetts for Bike Month?

Massachusetts is a wonderful place to be if you love biking, and Bay State Bike Month , hosted by MassBike , has a full schedule of events to keep you moving. If you're looking for group rides or ways to get involved, this is your go-to resource.

Here are some of the events you won't want to miss:

Wednesday, May 1 : MassDOT and Safe Routes to School are hosting Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day , encouraging kids and parents to bike or walk to school.

Sunday, May 5 : National Ride a Bike Day. For those for whom biking to school or work may not be possible, jump on one over the weekend and join the fun!

Friday, May 17: Boston's Bike to Work Day is at City Hall Plaza from 7:00 to 9:00 AM. Join a convoy of cyclists heading into Boston from various locations and enjoy a free breakfast and coffee at City Hall Plaza. It's a fantastic way to meet fellow riders and learn more about biking in Boston.

Extra special plans for Bike Month

Throughout May and June, Transportation Management Association (TMA) Directors and Commuter Services Program Managers will be visiting member/client locations to host bike safety checks for employees and residents. We will be joined by our partners at Urban Adventours , Abby Velo , Landry’s and Quad Cycles . Check with your local TMA Director or Commuter Services Program Manager to find out when these events are happening at your workplace or residential building.

But that's not all! This year, Transportation Management Associations and private clients managed by TransAction Associates are hosting Bike Month Mania with the theme "Say Hi to Your Bike for Me." It's a fun way to celebrate Bike Month and connect with other cyclists in your community. Participate in our Bike Month Challenge by logging your bike trips throughout May and June for a chance to win fantastic prizes.

For more information about these events, check out the Bike Month Mania website and subscribe to the newsletter. Let's make this Bike Month the best one yet!

Two-Wheeled Commutes: Building a Bike-Friendly Workplace

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 21:11:50 GMT

Sure signs that winter is almost over -- the first buds on the trees, and the return of bicyclists on the roads. Once temperatures start to rise, riders who took a break during the cold weather months get their bikes out of hibernation, dust them off, and emerge to hit the streets. Spring weather is an invitation to bike commuters to leave their cars at home and start enjoying the ride to work.

Only about 1% of commutes in the U.S. are by bicycle right now, but analytics from StreetLight suggest that number may be on the rise. This is great news, as cycling alleviates congestion by reducing the number of cars on the road which in turn contributes to a decrease in air pollution.

Biking can potentially impact carbon emissions. According to the ITDP a 20% increase in bike commuting worldwide could reduce C02 emissions from travel by almost 11% by 2050. The many health benefits for those who ride include burning about 300 calories per day and lowering the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Biking is low impact and improves mental wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety.

Overall, Massachusetts is pedaling in the right direction, getting an “A” for being bicycle friendly according to a 2022 report card from the League of American Cyclists . So, what can individual companies looking to shift gears and move towards environmentally friendly employee benefits do to promote bicycling?

Here are five things employers can offer to help encourage employees to bike to work:

1. A secure place to leave a bike.

Bike racks outside work well for short-term storage. These can be used for trips between buildings on a campus, or outside of workplace amenities like the cafeteria. An indoor bike storage room where bikes can be stowed safely and protected from the elements works best for long-term storage during the day.

2. Showers and changing facilities.

Biking, especially in warm weather, can leave some riders feeling uncomfortable when they arrive at work. A clean place to take a shower and change, and maybe even store some clothes and toiletries, gives riders a chance to freshen up before they start the workday.

3. Bike repair capabilities.

This can range from just having some simple tools like wrenches and bike pumps available, to a full stand to mount the bike and work on it. Being able to do basic bike maintenance at work, such as changing a tire, or tightening a handle is a great way to eliminate some of the uncertainty that comes with trying a new commute mode.

Hosting a bike tune-up event with a professional mechanic on-site is also a good way to ensure that bikes are in good working condition at the start of the season.

4. Bikeshare access.

Bikeshare programs can provide a gateway to trying cycling by offering the chance to ride without having to worry about owning and storing a bike. It can also give employees who live too far away to ride to work the opportunity to use a bike during the day to run errands or go to meetings without having to drive. Employers can sponsor a bikeshare station near their worksite, or can offer a discount on membership in a bikeshare program such as Bluebikes.

5. A bike community at work.

Sometimes all that’s needed to get started with cycling to work is a support group. Bike communities can provide guidance on what gear is needed, what routes to take, and what to pack for the trip. Organized lunchtime bike rides are a great way to practice learning how to ride on nearby roads. Setting up commuter challenges or providing small incentives like gift cards or bike gear can increase engagement.

Whether you go big or keep it small, fostering a positive bike culture at your office can lead to a happier, healthier, environmentally conscious workplace. Hosting a Bike to Work event with educational materials, safety information, and fun giveaways is a good place to start.

To see if an event for Bike Month is being planned near your worksite, Contact TransAction Associates.

Driving Change: 5 Strategies to Help Your Employees Transform Their Commute

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 14:03:16 GMT

Just mention the word “commuting” and blood pressures start to soar. Even the calmest driver starts to prickle with anxiety when faced with the prospect of wasting up to 51 hours per year stuck in traffic. That’s longer than most vacations. RingCentral reports that 40% of workers would rather clean their toilet than commute, which is really saying something since it’s statistically among the most-hated chores.

With so many employees making a return to the office either full or part time, the issue of how to ease concerns over commuting has become a hot topic. The conversation is likely to continue given that ResumeBuilder.com surveyed 1,000 key corporate decision makers and found that “9 in 10 companies with office space will have a return to office by 2024.”

What could possibly help to make it better? A Commuter Services Program is a great way to give employees a low-cost, high-impact benefit that they will appreciate. Programs can be very simple or more in-depth depending on staffing, budget, and corporate culture. Wherever a Commuter Program fits into your organization, it’s worth considering for 2024.

Here are 5 proven commuting strategies that can transform the journey between home and work from a stress-inducing slog into something more productive --and maybe even calming.

Combat Climate Change with Carpooling

Sharing the ride to work with one or more carpool partners can reduce commuting costs by 50% or more. By taking a car off the road, it also improves both air quality and traffic congestion. Considering that automobiles emit about 4.6 metric tons of CO2 annually, commuting together just a few times a week can have a big impact.

Carpooling is easy to implement using a ridematching database to help connect potential partners.
Supportive strategies, such as offering preferential parking spaces, not only reward carpoolers with convenient spots near the building but help promote the program at the same time.
Monthly drawings, rewards or incentives for carpooling can increase participation.

Take Transit

Time spent behind the wheel is often unproductive in addition to being stressful. Leaving the driving to someone else means that transit riders can use their commuting time creatively. Whether it’s reading, listening to music, socializing with other riders, organizing for the day or just decompressing from it -- commuting can be a space that separates work life from home life. A recent study found that commuting time can serve as something called “liminal space.” A place in between the workday and home where commuters can have “an opportunity to recover from work and mentally switch gears to home.” The study’s authors found that without this space, people can experience a blurring effect between the two which can ultimately lead to burnout.

The IRS offers pre-tax benefits for the purchase of transit passes.
Employers are often willing to subsidize the cost of transit since it has so many positive impacts.
If the worksite is more than a half mile from a transit stop many companies offer shuttles to fill in the “last mile” gap.

Try a Vanpool

Vanpooling first become popular in the 1970s in response to the gas crisis. It was a way for commuters to band together and share costs while conserving fuel. Today’s vanpooling is flexible and takes advantages of smaller vehicle sizes, new technology, tax incentives, and time savings from High-Occupancy Vehicle lanes on major highways.

Vanpools are groups of commuters with aligned schedules, originating from and heading to similar destinations. Together they lease a vehicle from a third-party vendor, effectively sharing the commuting costs. Groups range in size from 7-14 people and the van lease includes maintenance, back-up vehicles, insurance, and tolls. The typical commuter stays in a vanpool for six years, but many groups have been together much longer celebrating everything from engagements to baby showers.

Employers can help to facilitate vanpools by hosting events like zip code parties which target key areas that may be suitable for forming a vanpool group.
Vanpool vendors are generally happy to come in and walk a new group through the process of getting started.
Like carpooling mentioned above, a database for matching and preferred parking can sweeten the deal for a vanpool group.
IRS regulations offer a pre-tax payroll deduction incentive to help with the monthly cost.

Get Health Benefits with Active Commuting

While biking or walking to work may not appeal to everyone, employees who live between 5 and 20 miles could be willing to give it a try. It has undeniable health benefits both physically and mentally that are well documented in many studies. Commuters can see countless advantages, including burning fat, reducing inflammation, improving heart health, reducing stress, and improving overall wellbeing. It’s tough to argue with the positive impacts of getting outside into the fresh air and logging some biking or walking miles.

Most employees just need showers, lockers, and a safe place to store their bike if they are riding to work.
Bikeshare facilities can make it so that those who don’t own a bike can give it a try.
eBikes are another option for those who might need a little electric assist from time to time.
Employer benefits like free bike helmets and sneakers or earning incentives for walking or biking are very popular among active commuters and could help first timers get over the initial hump to get started.

Lend Support

Having supportive programs in place helps commuters transition from driving alone to considering another option. Researcher James O. Prochaska identified the five stages of change which can be applied to moving commuters toward new behaviors; they are: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance.

An on-site Transportation Coordinator assists employees with commute planning, can assess the benefits of each mode, and identify any hurdles that may need to be overcome to try something new.
Offering an Emergency Ride Home eliminates the fear of being stranded at work if something unplanned arises during the day and an employee needs to get home.
Repeated messaging puts the Commuter Programs front and center, and ensures they are actively promoted on an ongoing basis.

Dedicating resources to improving employee commutes can yield positive results for your company.

Check out our Commuter Services page for an overview of on-site commuter programs and how they can be customized to fit in at your company.

Winter Car Maintenance and Safety Tips with Luis

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 21:23:51 GMT

It's officially the first day of winter! Are you ready for the snow and ice? Is your car ready?

Join Luis Mejia, Fleet Mechanic at TransAction Corporate Shuttles, as he shares some winter car maintenance and safety tips.

1. What to pack in your car to be prepared

Brush Ice Scraper
Washer Fluid
Battery Back / Jumper Cables
First Aid Kit
Deicer
Gloves
Shovel

2. Clearing snow and ice off your vehicle

Windshield
When clearing snow off your windshield, be sure to start on the outside and move to the inside of the windshield. Use the scraper part of the snowbrush first, then use the rubber part, and finally the brush so that you don't damage the side of the car.
Headlights
If you don't have washer fluid or deicer available, just use the brush to get snow off the headlights. Never use an ice scraper on the car headlights.
Grill
It's important to clear snow off your car's grill, especially if you have a grill with small openings. If the grill gets blocked or clogged with snow, the car will overheat because air won’t be able to pass through it into the engine to cool down the radiator. It’s always a good idea to clean it with the brush, and then just tap it lightly to free loose snow.
Snow buildup on tires
Oftentimes, your tires may pick up snow and it will start to build up on the back of the tire and the fender around the tire. It could build up to the point where the snow will be touching the tire, and just that small contact between the fender, the snow, and the tire will cause the tire to be out of balance. If that happens and you’re driving with this snow buildup, the steering wheel can start to shake. Some people will take their car to an auto-body shop or dealership thinking that they have a balancing problem, but it’s actually just the snow buildup. If you have a vibration that you didn’t have before, make sure to clear all the snow from the back and front of the tire, and that vibration should be gone.

3. Winter tire maintenance

Tires are very important in the wintertime. On vehicles that are all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, you can have 4 modern snow tires.

If you have a vehicle that is front-wheel drive, you want to have 2 modern snow tires on the front.

If you have a vehicle that is rear-wheel drive, you want to have at least 2 modern snow tires on the rear because they will be your traction wheels.

Checking tire pressure is especially important in the wintertime. Every vehicle has a tire pressure tag with information on proper tire inflation inside the driver’s side door. Anytime you need to check your tire pressure, make sure to refer to that tag and inflate tires based on what it says for your specific car.

4. What to do before turning off your vehicle

Once you get to your destination, if it’s snowing or snow or sleet is predicted, it’s very important that you shut off the wipers before turning off the car and them lift them up off of the windshield.

You want to do this so that when you start your car back up, they won't come on and either break the motor or the linkage. Lifting up your wipers also ensures that they won’t get frozen to the windshield.

5. Winter safe driving tips

Don't crowd the plows
You want to have three to four car lengths between you and a plow so they don’t block your visibility. Also, plows may be throwing salt and sand on the road, and you don’t want it to come back and hit the front of your car.
Reduce your speed
If you're driving in a snowstorm, a good guide is to reduce your speed by at least half. If you’re going 60 mph, you would want to reduce your speed to 30 mph. If the snow is just starting to come down, be sure to reduce your speed by at least 10 mph for safety.
Turn away from sliding surfaces
If you do happen to skid or start sliding, don’t panic! Let off the accelerator, and turn the wheel away from the sliding surface. If you’re sliding to the right, go left with the wheel, and wait for the car to regain control.

6. Gaining traction when you're stuck in the snow

If your vehicle is stuck in the snow and you need to get some traction, you can always grab your floor mat and put it in front of the tire between the snow and the tire. This should give the tire enough traction to release it from the snow. You can put it on the front of the tire, or if you’re trying to go in reverse, you can put it on the back of the tire.

If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, you'll put the mat on the rear tires, or whichever tire is spinning. If you don’t have a floor mat, you can always use a jacket, a sweatshirt, a piece of cardboard, or anything that you can put in between the snow and the tire to help gain traction.

If you want to learn more about these topics, check out our 2020 webinar on preparing your car for the snow, where we go into full detail on winter car maintenance and safety tips!

Spotlight On - Transportation Management for Events

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:54:26 GMT

For more than a decade, TransAction has been providing transportation management services for large events in Massachusetts. From planning bus routes for walk and race participants, to coordinating multiple service providers, to staffing ground crew, TransAction ensures that transportation operations go smoothly on the day of your event.

This October, TransAction’s team helped to transport thousands of participants at the annual Jimmy Fund Walk organized by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Whether they walked the full marathon route from Hopkinton, the half marathon route from Wellesley, the 10K from Newton, or the 5K from Dana Farber, everyone who walks makes an important contribution to this great cause. Participants are on pace to raise $9 million dollars this year to fund cancer research and support patients.

TransAction began working on the event as part of the team in 2010 and coordinates:

Operations for three bus companies with a total of 50 buses
Medical Sweep buses and teams who assist walkers in need along the route
Ground crew who directs service on the day of the event

After every event, TransAction assesses shuttle usage and overall performance to make recommendations for service improvements in future years.

Looking for transportation for your event? Find out more at https://www.transactiontransportation.com/private-event-transportation

2023 Car-Free Day Was a Huge Success!

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 16:03:31 GMT

World Car-Free Day 2023 was a huge success! Organized in a variety of ways around the globe, every event shared the unifying goal of reducing the number of cars on the road. TransAction Associate s’ clients participated in MassCommute 's 2023 Car-Free Day, the Commonwealth’s Coalition of 15 TMAs to promote and celebrate Car-Free Day in Massachusetts. Commuters who participated helped to make a positive impact on the environment and contributed to a greener Bay State!

MassCommute urged everyone to Take the Pledge to travel to work using an eco-friendly mode of transportation on September 22nd. Modes included walking, biking, riding a shuttle, carpooling, using public transit, or teleworking.

With a tremendous total of 2,165 car-free participants , Massachusetts residents who joined MassCommute’s Car-Free Day saved:

34,046 miles
1,361.84 gallons of fuel
$17,703.71 in cost savings

The most used green mode of transportation was Public Transit .

Everyone did their part to reduce their carbon footprint by removing 26,419.24 lbs of Greenhouse Gases from the environment!

TransAction Associates’ clients had a 107% increase in participation compared to 2022’s Car-Free Day, resulting in 5,903.94 more pounds of greenhouse gas emissions being reduced this year. Let’s beat our record in 2024!

Establishing a Shuttle Network

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 18:01:27 GMT

Are you contemplating starting a shuttle network at your location, but not sure where to begin? You’ve come to the right place!

TransAction’s industry-leading experts shared their knowledge and experience to prepare this guide so you can get your shuttle program rolling.

Why a shuttle network?

It’s a great tool for recruitment.

Whether you’re a property owner trying to attract tenants or an employer looking for talent, having a shuttle expands your options by improving access to your location. A shuttle network is a valued amenity that helps you stand out from your competition. As an added bonus, wrapping the shuttle with your branding can double as an advertising opportunity.

It increases productivity.

Shuttle riders can check emails, review their calendar, prepare for the day, finish up work, take a nap, or catch-up on social media. Driving less also means less stress, which can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and can reduce absenteeism at work.

It affirms your commitment to sustainability.

Employees want to work for employers that care about the environment, and consumers want to engage with companies that they can feel good about. Reducing your carbon footprint improves air quality and taking cars off of the road cuts down on traffic congestion -- both of which make you a good neighbor in your community. Read more about sustainability efforts in a previous blog post by clicking here .

Types of Shuttles

Understanding the need allows you to plan the right kind of shuttle program to establish connections. Shuttles typically operate either on a fixed route with set stops on a pre-determined schedule, or on-demand where passengers can make a request for a pick-up. They can also be a hybrid of both, and software is used to allow for flexibility on the route.

Here are a few key questions to ask as you consider if a shuttle would benefit your organization:

Do people need to get to the site from one or more transit hubs?

This type of shuttle often completes the “last mile” of the journey from a transit station to your site, making it accessible to commuters who either don’t drive or prefer transit.

Do people need to go between multiple buildings or campuses in different locations?

These shuttles can eliminate the need to drive for employees who have to travel for meetings or work at different company locations. This option can result in cost savings when you add up what is being spent on reimbursed mileage and lost productivity on time spent driving or sitting in traffic.

Is parking limited at your location?

A shuttle from an off-site parking lot can help mitigate the impact of limited parking. The off-site parking can be close to the worksite with a shuttle connection on short loops or further away in an area where you have a concentration of potential riders.

Assessing Interest

Collecting a list of all employee zip codes and preparing a map can identify key locations where there is density to target for shuttle services. It can also pinpoint where connections to transit would make sense.

Conducting a survey helps to get a sense of the level of interest in shuttles. It’s important to be as specific as possible with the survey questions so that respondents can answer accurately. Remember that surveys are asking people about something they plan to do in the future. They are good for gauging overall interest and potential for usage.

Moving Forward

Safety is a primary concern when operating a shuttle service, which is why it’s a job generally outsourced to qualified professional shuttle operators. There are a few different ways to identify a vendor who can provide your service.

Request for Information (RFI) –

Sending out an RFI is a good way to quickly vet some vendors that you have identified to see if they could provide your service. Be sure to ask for references so you can talk to current clients and find out about: the types of vehicles they have, the age of their fleet, their safety record, how long it takes to start up a project, how drivers are vetted and trained, and how much liability insurance they carry.

Request for Proposal (RFP) –

An RFP is more formal than an RFI and is a request for details and pricing on a specific service. In addition to including the RFI criteria, in an RFP you can ask about the duration and details of a contract, the kind of data you will be able to get on ridership and performance, and the ability to scale up or down as needed.

Join a Partnership –

Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) exist in many areas and can offer an opportunity to partner with others to share expenses on a shuttle. Check to see if there are any TMAs operating in your region.

Taking into consideration the length of the trip and the frequency of service for your shuttle will help you to determine the route and schedule, as well as the size of the vehicle needed. Once you establish a shuttle, the goal is to make it an attractive option for riders so don’t discount the importance of comfort and conveniences such as on-board WIFI.

Still have questions about how to get a shuttle network started at your location? Contact Denis Olsen at TransAction Corporate Shuttles at dolsen@tcshuttles.com to learn more about how this valuable amenity can benefit your organization.

Commuters Put Their Best Foot Forward During the Summer Walking Challenge

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:44:06 GMT

Now that summer has officially come to an end, let’s see how some active commuters enjoyed the fresh air and (sometimes) sunny weather! TransAction Associates hosted a summer-long challenge called “Walk it Out.” Commuters logged their walking trips in the Commute Calendar at eCommuter.org , and were eligible to win prizes along the way. Walkers got an online badge for 5 trips logged, a $5 Starbucks gift card for 15 trips, and an entry into a $100 raffle for 30 trips.

The Walk it Out Challenge had 105 participants who were able to get outside, get active, and earn some cool stuff!

During the challenge, commuters logged a total of 9,493.3 miles, and by opting to walk instead of drive, they eliminated 7,366.82 pounds of greenhouse gases from the environment.

As the air turns crisper and the leaves change colors, walkers can continue to commute green no matter the season!

The Walk it Out Challenge had 105 participants who were able to get outside, get active, and earn some cool stuff!

During the challenge, commuters logged a total of 9,493.3 miles, and by opting to walk instead of drive, they eliminated 7,366.82 pounds of greenhouse gases from the environment.

As the air turns crisper and the leaves change colors, walkers can continue to commute green no matter the season!

Developing an Action Plan for Corporate Sustainability Goals

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 15:47:24 GMT

It’s no secret businesses care about their bottom line. What’s becoming clear is that companies focused only on their financial success may have difficulty competing both for customers and for top talent. Embracing sustainable business practices is more important than ever.

A recent survey of 16,000 global consumers by the IBM Institute for Business Value found that 51% say environmental sustainability is more important to them today than it was 12 months ago. Of that same group, 44% said that they choose products based on how well they align to their values. If that’s not big enough news, according to global communications firm Edelman’s recently released The 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, 69% of employees said that having a societal impact is a strong expectation or deal breaker when considering a job .

It may be time for more companies to consider the triple bottom line. This concept suggests that there are actually three P’s to consider. Rather than just the standard of Profitability , businesses need to also be measuring their impact on both People and the Planet . With this broader view of success in mind, it’s easier to see the impact a company is having on both society and on the environment.

Check out the suggestions below for how to embrace corporate sustainability initiatives and become a purpose-driven employer:

Define the Mission

Make sustainability goals part of your mission statement.

Form an internal task force or a committee. The group can become your “Green Team” and develop a plan for how to identify what initiatives will be best for your company.
Consider what matters to your employees, and what will matter to your customers. A town hall, survey, focus group, or other outreach methods can help collect information.
Assess the company’s current sustainable practices to determine what’s needed to achieve goals.
Include a balance of both environmental goals and social responsibility initiatives in the final plan.

Keep in mind that this process is continually evolving, so allow for ongoing adjustments and updates, creating a living document.

Develop a Plan

Below are some of the key topic areas to consider, questions to ask on those topics as part of your assessment, and ideas for measures to implement as part of your Corporate Sustainability Action Plan :

Topic Area

Questions

Measures

Efficiency

How does your company manage the use of natural resources such as energy and water?
Are there ways to use less?

Add insulation to the building.
Install solar panels.
Replace standard lightbulbs with LEDs.
Maximize the use of natural light and airflow.
Use smart technology to conserve water such as motion sensor faucets and low flow toilets.
Install motion sensors on lights, especially in areas that aren’t frequently used.
Make sure that everyone powers down at the end of the day.

Waste

What types of waste are generated?
Is there a way to create less waste?

Implement a comprehensive building wide recycling program.
Add a “freecycle” section to the website or newsletters where employees can swap unused items.
Provide reusable mugs/cups for employees to discourage the use of plastic water bottles.
Set up food waste composting bins in designated areas.

Vendors

Are suppliers vetted to see if they are responsible?

Examine the supply chain and source vendors who use more sustainable practices.
Look for products that are gentler on the environment and free from toxic chemicals.
Choose things that are recyclable, renewable, or biodegradable.
Buy Energy Star certified equipment.

Community

How is the company engaged in making the community better?

Buy from nearby small businesses.
Support local organizations with community service and fundraising efforts.
Donate unused items to the community.
Promote your efforts on your website so that you can lead by example.

Transportation

What can you do to reduce carbon emissions?

Ensure that all company vehicles are as energy efficient as possible.
Purchase carbon offsets.
Offer employees a commuter services program that encourages them to carpool, vanpool, take transit, bike, and walk instead of driving to work.
Provide a pre-tax purchase option or subsidy for transit passes.
Establish a shuttle service that connects to transit or between campuses.

Measure Outcomes

Once your green team has developed a thoughtful Corporate Sustainability Action Plan with specific goals based on research and stakeholder input, communicate it throughout the company. Use every corporate event and opportunity to promote it. Institutional change can be a challenge in a corporate environment, it’s important to have patience, and push ahead. Remember that it’s fine to start small and grow the program over time.

There can be anxiety around measuring outcomes, but it’s important to see how it’s going. Periodically checking results of the plan allows for adjustments that ultimately make it more successful.

For more information on the benefits of offering a commuter services program to your employees, contact Michele Brooks at mbrooks@transactionassoc.com

Discover how TransAction 's Commuter Programs have helped corporations promote sustainability :

Where To This Summer? Popular Destinations for Shuttle Trips

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 15:21:35 GMT

Interview with Trish Martin, Shuttles Coordinator | J U L Y 2 0 2 3

We recently sat down with Trish Martin, Shuttles Coordinator at TransAction Associates & Corporate Shuttles , to find out where everyone is going on their shuttle trips this summer. With wedding season in full swing, the warm weather months have been chock-full of exciting trips and destinations for Trish and the rest of our Shuttles Division to plan and execute.

With over 36 years of experience in the transportation industry , Trish Martin has worked at TransAction for the past 8 years handling all incoming private charters and shuttles inquiries. She finds the right vehicle size and amenities, plans the route, and selects the driver for each shuttle request. Her industry knowledge and background in planning transportation for events makes her an invaluable resource for our clients.

This summer, Trish shares that some of our most common shuttle trips have been for Corporate Events , such as large meetings, outings, or special trips to get employees out of the office and having fun. Other popular shuttle trip destinations over the years have been:

Historic Boston Tours
Ships in the Boston Harbor
Beach day trips
Volunteer clean-up events on the Charles River

This summer has been one of the busiest on record for TransAction ’s Shuttles Division. With so many things finally returning to normal after Covid, events have been ramping up every year. Trish says that she believes “people are hearing the TransAction name more and seeing our buses all around.”

Of course, with more shuttle trips on the road, shuttle operators have been enjoying the busy summer as well. With such a wide variety of trips and destinations, they often get to see somewhere new. Trish shares that “TransAction’s drivers like to do weddings a lot, and some people will even invite them into the reception to have dinner which is so great.” She adds that “in a few weeks we’re providing shuttle services for the Tall Ships out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and they always love that event, they really like to interact with the people.”

Trish is very grateful for the incredible TransAction drivers who keep the Shuttles Division moving " We are lucky to have such friendly, reliable, responsible, drivers. They care about their jobs; they care about the people ."

Interested in planning a group event with our team? Visit the Group & Event Transportation page to learn more.

If you’d like to become a charter operator for TransAction , please contact charters@tcshuttles.com for more information.

Commuters Pedaled Their Way Through Another Successful Bike Month!

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 15:05:50 GMT

P R O G R A M S I N P R A C T I C E | J U L Y 2 0 2 3

National Bike Month in May once again saw the weather starting to warm up and lots of people starting to get active! First established in 1956, Bike Month was used as a way of celebrating biking. It touted the health benefits associated with cycling and encouraged people to just give it a try.

To celebrate this May, TransAction Associates hosted a month-long commuter challenge called “ Bike to Anywhere .” To participate, bikers could ride to work, to do errands, or even just for fun.

Riders at participating locations logged their bike trips in the Commute Calendar at eCommuter.org. Everyone who entered trips was eligible to enter a prize drawing to win gift cards, bike gear, and more.

A total of 1,102 bike trips were made during the “Bike to Anywhere” challenge. Replacing driving with biking helped:

Decrease traffic congestion
Reduce carbon footprint
Improve health

Bike Month participation also resulted in:

4,486.2 driving miles reduced
$2,332.82 saved when switching from driving to pedaling
481.3 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions reduced from the environment

Check out how these bike commuters made a positive impact on the environment, and what the results look like on a larger scale:

Along with the “Bike to Anywhere” commuter challenge, Program Managers helped host various promotions designed to get commuters out of their cars and onto a bike. Events included partnerships with various bike shops to hold Bike Safety Check Events across the Commonwealth. Bike mechanics from Urban Adventours, Landry’s, and Abby Velo were on-site at client locations to tune-up bikes and get them ready to ride!

With cleaner air, warmer weather, and safety-checked bikes -- this summer is shaping up to be ideal for bikers and green commuters alike.

A total of 1,102 bike trips were made during the “Bike to Anywhere” challenge. Replacing driving with biking helped:

Decrease traffic congestion
Reduce carbon footprint
Improve health

Bike Month participation also resulted in:

4,486.2 driving miles reduced
$2,332.82 saved when switching from driving to pedaling
481.3 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions reduced from the environment

Check out how these bike commuters made a positive impact on the environment, and what the results look like on a larger scale:

With cleaner air, warmer weather, and safety-checked bikes -- this summer is shaping up to be ideal for bikers and green commuters alike.

10 Ways to Enhance Your Employee Benefit Package

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 13:00:00 GMT

B U S I N E S S T R E N D S | J U N E 2 0 2 3

When open enrollment season comes around this year, what will your employees find in their benefits package? Employers having a difficult time filling open positions are taking a hard look at what they offer, and many are exploring more perks to help them with recruiting and retention. A survey of 1,000 employees and 1,000 business owners commissioned by Forbes Advisor found that 40% of employers said that workers will leave their job for a position with better benefits. That’s putting the pressure on employers to get creative.

In fact, Mercer , a leading human resources and financial services firm, in its H ealth & Benefit Strategies for 2023 Survey Report , makes it clear when they say, “the war for talent is real.” In response, their survey indicates that 70% of all large employers and 53% of small employers plan to boost their benefits packages in 2023.

With that in mind, here are 10 ways to enhance your employee benefits package, along with suggested programs to incorporate.

1. Wellness Care.

Programs that help reduce stress and promote a healthy lifestyle show employees that you care about their inner life and well-being. They also often result in increased productivity and reduced absenteeism at work.

Employee Assistance Programs
Discounts on fitness equipment
Subsidized gym memberships
Reimbursements for a subscription to a mindfulness or wellness app
Nutrition programs and healthy meal planning services
Providing healthy snacks in the office

2. Increased Flexibility.

The unprecedented ability to work from home that many people experienced during the pandemic is undergoing a transition. Companies are now looking to create more formal teleworking programs fully integrated into their benefits.

Variable start and end times
Working remotely all or some of the time
Asynchronous work schedules that match up to clients or colleagues in another state or country
Four-day work week

3. Learning and Development Budget.

This goes beyond just reimbursing employees for tuition towards an advanced degree. It includes a range of opportunities for employees to upskill, which can have the added benefit of helping them advance their careers with the company -- a win-win.

Training and education programs
Personal development training
Life coaching and mentorship
Industry conferences

4. Improvements to Healthcare Affordability.

Skyrocketing insurance premiums and healthcare costs are a big concern for today’s workforce. Anything that employers can do to offset those costs will be a highly valued benefit.

Increased employer contributions to medical plans
Healthcare Savings Account (HSA) options
Health plan offerings with lower deductibles

5. Childcare Benefits.

The high cost of childcare forces many families to look closely at their finances and decide if the salary and benefits of working outweigh the cost of childcare. Companies addressing this concern eliminate employment barriers and create opportunities for a wider range of candidates.

Providing on-site childcare services
A subsidy for childcare assistance

6 . Technology Upgrades.

These are an excellent way to save employees money right away and help them feel more connected, whether they are in the office or working from home.

Discounts on cell phones, including periodic replacements
Discounted monthly service plans
Paying for all or part of the internet costs at home

7. Relaxation Services.

Skills learned as part of this benefit can help manage stress inside and outside of work.

Calming spaces available at the office (anything from break rooms with comfortable chairs and couches to high-tech napping pods)
Meditation, massage, or mindfulness classes during work hours

8. Pet-friendly Benefits.

If it feels like more people than ever have a pet, that’s because they do. More than half of U.S. families have a dog or a cat in their home. Employees will appreciate being offered benefits for their furry family members.

Pet insurance
Providing access to pet resource groups and services
Allowing pets in the office with proper guidelines

9. Employee Recognition/Appreciation.

Everyone likes to be recognized when they do a good job. Programs that reward employees for their dedication and commitment boost morale and improve overall motivation.

Rewards points that can be redeemed for gift cards can be offered through a program that allows managers and even other co-workers to reward them for a job well done.

10. Commuter Benefits Programs.

Save employees on commuting costs while adding environmental benefits that speak to the company’s sustainability goals.

Allow the use of pre-tax dollars to purchase transit passes
Offers incentives for choosing a mode of transportation that isn’t driving alone
An on-site transportation coordinator to help employees plan their trip to work without using a car
Shuttles connecting to transit or different corporate campuses
Events and promotions that focus on the importance of using sustainable modes of travel

For more information on offering a Commuter Services Program at your location, please contact Michele Brooks at TransAction Associates at 781.895.1100 or mbrooks@transactionassoc.com .

How Commuters Went Green for Earth Month

Fri, 12 May 2023 14:53:29 GMT

Spring has sprung in Massachusetts. Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and the air feels cleaner thanks to everyone who participated in global Earth Day celebrations.

The first Earth Day was held in 1970 and by 1990, it was an event celebrated by more than 140 countries around the globe. Each year on April 22nd, more than a billion people continue to celebrate Earth Day by working to protect the planet from harmful practices such as pollution and deforestation.

This year, in honor of Earth Day, TransAction Associates hosted a month-long promotion of green and sustainable activities. Each week during the month of April, commuters were challenged to complete a designated green activity on at least one day. Everyone who participated was entered in a prize drawing and lucky winners took home $25 and $50 gift cards.

The result:

145 morning coffees sipped from reusable mugs
79 waste-free meals made for lunch break
71 trips taken using an alternative mode of transportation (modes that qualified included carpooling, vanpooling, biking, riding in a shuttle, taking public transportation, or telecommuting)
58 additional green activities such as picking up trash in local parks, starting a compost bin, switching to energy-saving light bulbs, planting a vegetable garden, and more were also completed during Week 3, where commuters were asked to complete a green activity of their choice.

As part of the Earth Month Challenge, a tree was planted for each participant through OneTreePlanted , a non-profit organization committed to global reforestation. TransAction Associates then matched the total amount, resulting in a total of 366 trees being planted in the Amazon Rainforest!

The Amazon Rainforest holds the world’s largest rainforest ecosystem and is home to almost 30% of plant and animal species on Earth. Due to logging, unsustainable agriculture, and forest fires, the Amazon Rainforest is unfortunately a very high-risk zone for deforestation and degradation. According to OneTreePlanted , the trees donated by TransAction Associates and challenge participants will help:

Protect & restore primary forests to stabilize the climate
Conserve habitat for the Amazon Rainforest's iconic wildlife species
Provide sustainable livelihoods to local people through agroforestry

Hats off to the commuters who participated in the Earth Month Challenge and made a positive impact on our environment. You can keep the momentum going by switching from driving alone to green commuting this summer.

For more information on hosting commuter challenges at your location, check out TransAction’s Commuter Services page.

What's Happening in Bike Month

Mon, 08 May 2023 19:11:47 GMT

By: Alewife TMA

Many bikers consider May to be the official start of biking season in New England. The snow is (finally) gone, the days are longer, and the residue from the salt and sand deposited during the winter has been mostly washed away by April’s rain.

Bike shops advertise tune-up specials, charity race and triathlon training groups start meeting, and bike racks begin filling up at schools and workplaces. But Bike Month is so much more than a declaration of the change in seasons. First established in 1956, Bike Month was used as a way of celebrating biking, to tout the health benefits, and to encourage people to just give it a try. The month was further defined when the third week in May was designated as Bike to Work Week, with Bike to Work Day being that Friday. This year, that week is May 15-21, and that day is May 19th.

We are fortunate to live in an area of the country that is very dedicated to biking and more importantly, to celebrating Bike to Work Month.

This year, Bay State Bike Month is being managed by MassBike , the statewide biking coalition and advocacy group. If you are looking for group rides and ways to get involved with biking during the month of May, start here .

On Friday, May 19th, Boston is hosting a Bike to Work Day at City Hall Plaza from 7:00-9:00 AM. Hop on your bike and ride in that morning, or join a convoy of fellow cyclists and ride into Boston from Cambridge. When you ride in that morning, you will be treated to a free breakfast and coffee. There will also be plenty of exhibitors at the event—all with one thing in common-- a love of cycling.

Our friends at Bluebikes are offering Free Adventure Passes each Sunday in May for Mental Health Awareness Month & National Bike Month. Hop on this offer and join the fun!

Throughout May and June, our Program Managers will be visiting our client locations to host bike safety checks for employees and residents. Want to get involved? Reach out today!

We can’t wait to see you out there with your bike this May. Cheers!

2022: A good year for women-owned businesses

Mon, 01 May 2023 21:21:45 GMT

Entrepreneur Magazine recently published its 2022 list of Women of Influence their “annual celebration of the women leaders influencing their industries, defining our culture, and reimagining our future.” Topping the list were some women you may have heard of, including multi-hyphenate Jennifer Lopez, and some you may not, like Tekedra Mawakana, Co-CEO of Waymo, an autonomous vehicle technology company valued at $30 billion.

The Biz2Credit Women-Owned Business Study publishes an annual a review of the financial performance of women-owned small to midsized companies in the U.S. They reported that in 2022 average earnings for women-owned businesses increased by 27%, which is higher than the 22% increase male-owned businesses achieved.

Source: Biz2Credit Women-Owned Business Study for 2021-2022

2022 statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau further quantify the success of women-owned business, including an estimated $1.9 trillion in receipts, 10.9 million employees, and $432.1 billion in annual payroll.

Here in Massachusetts, the Boston Business Journal has compiled its list of Largest Women-Owned Businesses based on total 2022 revenue for companies that are least 51% women-owned. These are the trailblazing women who are transforming and leading here in the Commonwealth.

TransAction Associates & Corporate Shuttles, led by President and CEO Cindy Frené, is on the list at number 21. “ It pleases me to see the growth in women-owned businesses. I think women have a unique perspective on being an employer and creating an atmosphere with a healthy work/life balance. ” Cindy took her idea for a consulting and shuttle business and grew it from a single employee and a handful of clients, into the successful enterprise that it is today.

Cindy Frené, President and CEO

Looking ahead to 2023 there is optimism about the continued expansion of women-owned businesses. Bank of America’s 2022 Women & Minority Business Owner Spotlight Report noted women business owners said they expected to see revenue growth in the year ahead. Here’s to a successful 2023!

February Five Commuter Challenge is a Big Success!

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 15:03:05 GMT

February Five Challenge is a Big Success!

The sweet scent of roses drifting through the air from a Valentine’s bouquet. The delicious aroma of a steamy hot chocolate swirling in your mug. Is it possible that this year you noticed everything smelled better in February? If you did, it may not have been just your imagination. It could have been because the air was a little bit cleaner.

TransAction’s February Five Commuter Challenge resulted in the removal of 22,272 pounds of pollutants from the environment. Participants each logged at least five “green” commutes in the Commute Calendar on TransAction’s eCommuter.org site. Modes that qualified included carpooling, vanpooling, biking, riding in a shuttle, taking public transportation, or telecommuting. Every commuter who took 5 eligible trips got a $5 gift card and earned a new badge for their commuting profile.

Cleaner air wasn’t the only impact of the contest. It resulted in a cost savings of $14,924 and a fuel savings of 1,148 gallons. The next challenge for commuters --see if you can keep it going! Because it won’t be long before the weather warms up and you will want to get a good whiff of that freshly cut grass.

Celebrating Women's History Month

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 17:35:15 GMT

Join us this March in celebrating all that women have achieved!

Since 1911, March 8 ^th has been designated as International Women’s Day. It’s a global day set aside to celebrate the achievements of women. This year’s theme was #EmbraceEquity. It’s intended to raise awareness of the need for a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

The month of March is also Women’s History Month in the United States. Marie Curie, Amelia Earhart, Helen Keller – all famous influential women you are probably familiar with who have made a lasting impact. But what about the unsung heroes? In honor of the holiday, here are a few famous women you may not have heard of who you can celebrate this month.

Anne Rainsford French Bush got a driver’s license in 1900 and is believed to be the first woman to do so. Also noteworthy -- she is buried in Concord, MA in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, famous for being the burial place of Washington Irving’s Headless Horseman from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Known as the “Iowa Bus Queen,” Helen Mary Schultz was the first woman to own a bus line. She started Red Ball Transportation Company in 1922.

Madame C.J. Walker is regarded as the first female entrepreneur. In 1905 she created Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower and by 1910 her scalp conditioning and healing formula was in high demand and generating considerable revenue.

Today the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) reports that there are approximately 13 million women-owned businesses in the United States, that’s roughly 42% of all businesses. In fact, according to www.pay.com , “The number of women-owned businesses in the U.S. has nearly doubled in the last 15 years.”

TransAction Associates/TransAction Corporate Shuttles is proud to be woman founded, owned, and operated. President and CEO Cindy Frené started the company based on a need for on-site commuter programs that she identified while working at a large engineering firm. TransAction has grown over the last 30+ years from a one-woman operation to a company of over 100 employees offering managed programs, consulting, and shuttle services.

Join us this March in celebrating all that women have achieved.

President and CEO, Cindy Frené

Boston - We Can Do Better

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 21:37:11 GMT

There are so many firsts to celebrate in Massachusetts. It’s the birthplace of Dunkin’ Donuts, the site of the country’s first public park, and the place where the first basketball game was played. Don’t even get us started on sports titles, there are literally too many to list in one article. It’s safe to say that we take being in the lead pretty seriously here in the Bay State.

Given our fondness for coming in first, it may have been surprising to see that we didn’t top the list of places with the most traffic on the 2022 Inrix Global Traffic Scorecard . We came close with a second-place finish among U.S. cities, and scored 4 ^th place for the worst traffic in the world. London, Chicago, and Paris, all beat us out.

Boston’s 4 ^th place finish doesn’t seem to be from a lack of effort. Based on the data reported by Inrix, traffic in Boston is back in a big way – with an average of 134 hours of delay per driver. That’s more than double the national average of 51 hours. While the city has not completely returned to pre-pandemic levels of congestion according to the report, we are well on our way.

This may be one place where we don’t need to strive for a top place finish. All of this traffic congestion comes at a high cost -- $2,270 per driver to be specific, a total of $4.3 billion for the city. It also leads to air pollution. According to the U.S. EPA, the transportation sector contributes more to greenhouse gas emissions than any other sector at 27%. We already know that exposure to air pollution can affect asthma, and new research suggests it can impair cognitive function.

It’s possible to move out of the top 5 most congested places in the world, but it would require a big effort. Programs that support increasing mobility options and encouraging fewer people to choose driving alone are just a couple of the things we could do. Bostonians do love a challenge. If we focus on moving down the list instead of up, we could be the place with the biggest reduction in congestion. That’s a title I think we could all get behind.

The Boston Globe Names TransAction Associates, Inc. a Top Place to Work for 2022

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 20:57:00 GMT

WOBURN, MA (January 16, 2023) – TransAction Associates, Inc. has been named one of the Top Places to Work in Massachusetts in the 15th annual employee-based survey project from The Boston Globe.

TransAction Associates, Inc. was ranked at number 22 in the medium-sized employer category.

What makes somewhere a great place to work? Is it the free coffee, the great health insurance, the nice people you work with? According to an article on jobsite Indeed , “A good employer makes going to work each day fun, rewarding and challenging.” The State of the Global Workplace 2022 Report by Gallup estimates that most of us will spend 81,396 hours working in our lifetime. They note that the only thing most of us will do more than work is sleep. That may be one reason why more emphasis is being placed on work-life balance by today’s employees.

The Boston Globe asked 94,000 employees at 381 companies to complete a survey where they asked about leadership, appreciation, benefits, and more. Their goal was to identify just what it is that makes a great workplace here in Massachusetts. To keep it fair and anonymous, they partnered with Energage , an employee research and consulting firm in Pennsylvania. The survey was conducted in July of 2022 and the list was published in November.

Based on the results of the survey, 150 organizations were selected for the Boston Globe’s 2022 Top Places to Work list. Employers who made the list are offering a wide range of benefits and services for their employees. In the article accompanying the list, the Boston Globe Magazine noted that . . . “employers are coming to terms with the fact that their employees need, and deserve more – more flexibility, yes, but also more support, more humanity, and a greater sense of purpose.”

TransAction Associates was among winners again this year, coming in at number 22 on the list of medium sized employers. TransAction previously appeared on the list in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020. The Globe referred to the companies on the list this year as “the 150 companies with the happiest employees in the state.” TransAction is proud to be listed alongside so many other fantastic organizations, many of whom are clients of the company.

TransAction, a woman-owned and operated business for more than 33 years, is a full-service transportation consulting company with a shuttle services division. The company believes in living our mission every day “To deliver a standard of excellence that conveys our core values of safety, dedication, honesty, and integrity.”

Pictured (left to right): Michele Brooks (Vice President), Lisa Cinella (Director of Operations), Cindy Frené (Founder & President), Brad Schuler (Director of Transportation), Denis Olsen (Director of Business Development), & Ginny Ciampa (Controller).

Preferential Carpool Parking, It’s not an Incentive—Unless It’s an Incentive

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 16:30:00 GMT

As a green commuter, you’ve done your part to help the environment. You found a carpool partner, coordinated schedules, made the trip in together. But what if you arrive at work and find that all of the good parking spots are taken?

Many organizations have good intentions when they designate special preferred carpool parking spots in a prime location near an entrance. One carpool space reduces the need for at least one other parking spot. Promoting carpooling is a great way to reduce your parking demand and encourage commuters to share the ride. However, without the proper enforcement and program management in place, the positive impact of the preferential parking incentive can lose its effectiveness.

That’s where having a designated Transportation Coordinator on-site to manage the program can help. The experts at TransAction Associates have been managing and operating commuter programs for organizations throughout New England and beyond.

The 5 P’s of a Preferred Parking Program

Based on years of experience, the team at TransAction Associates has compiled this list of tried-and-true program elements that are essential for making your carpool program a success. Adapt the suggestions below, combine them into a program that works for you, or get in touch with our team. Together, we can create a custom carpool program that works for your location.

Patrolling

One of the key steps to ensuring preferential parking works as the incentive you intend it to be, is making sure it is being utilized properly and by authorized carpool groups. This involves a certain amount of oversight and monitoring. The best method for quick and easy monitoring is using carpool hangtags, stickers, or other identifiers. In the event a vehicle is parked in a space without the required identification, a progressive policy of warning and enforcement will work best to ensure compliance. Use the first time you reach out as an opportunity to encourage the driver to participate in the carpool program explain how the spaces are used.

Process

Establish an easy way for carpool groups to get the required identification for their participants. This involves a clear set of guidelines for what constitutes a group, and when and how the preferential spots can be used. Typically this will include an application process, a way of approving carpool groups, maintaining the policies so that they are consistent, and keeping up with changes and annual renewals.

Placement

Nothing beats the finding parking quickly, easily, and right up front. Put designated carpool parking spaces as close to the front door or garage elevators as possible. As a bonus when the cars and spots are clearly marked for “carpools only” you add lots of visibility for the program.

Partners

The challenge to growing any carpool program is getting commuters into ridesharing groups. With people coming from here, there, and everywhere, and a wide range of work schedules, where does one even start? A simple bulletin board posting can be very effective, internal communications platforms such as slack channels or intranet hubs can also be used. A popular solution is an online carpool ridematching database. eCommuter.org is TransAction’s private, member-based, platform that provides commuters with the ability to search for and find carpool partners. Participants input their commuting information into the secure database and see a list of potential carpool partners that match their own route and schedule. By making it simple and easy to find people to carpool with, the more likely commuters will give it a try.

Programs

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest hurdles to carpooling is the question “what would I do in an emergency if I don’t have my car?” Emergency Ride Home (ERH) programs ensure that if there is an emergency during the workweek, green commuters will not be left stranded at work. These programs typically offer free or subsidized transportation on the very rare occasions a commuter needs them.
TransAction Associates, offers a popular turnkey program. In the event of an emergency, transportation is provided by Lyft™, taxi, or Enterprise Rent-A-Car® — usually within thirty minutes — and at no cost to the commuter.

Getting Started is Easy

The experts at TransAction Associates have been managing and operating commuter programs for organizations throughout New England and beyond.

The Boston Globe Names TransAction Associates, Inc. a Top Place to Work for 2020

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 20:48:00 GMT

WOBURN, MA (November 23, 2020) – TransAction Associates, Inc. has been named one of the Top Places to Work in Massachusetts in the 13th annual employee-based survey project from The Boston Globe (published in www.Globe.com/TopPlaces November 19 and in Globe Magazine on November 22).

Top Places to Work recognizes the most admired workplaces in the state voted on by the people who know them best—their employees. The survey measures employee opinions about their company’s direction, execution, connection, management, work, pay and benefits, and engagement. The employers are placed into one of four groups: small (50 to 99 employees), medium (100 to 249 workers), large (250 to 999); and largest (1,000 or more).

TransAction Associates, Inc. was ranked at number 21 in the medium-sized employer category.

The team at TransAction Associates is proud to be featured on The Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work list for the fourth time. Cindy Frené, President of TransAction Associates, said “it’s an honor to be recognized each time, but this year it has even more significance. Despite the obstacles we’ve all faced in 2020, our team remains dedicated to our clients and our success. We’re so fortunate to have top-notch employees who share in our corporate vision of safety, honesty, and integrity.”
“This was a particularly challenging year to be a great place to work, and the companies that made our list went above and beyond to keep their employees safe, engaged, and cared for,” said Katie Johnston, the Globe’s Top Places to Work editor. “From offering help with childcare to making the workplace more equitable to holding virtual talent shows, these employers showed that the best get better in crisis.”
The rankings in Top Places to Work are based on confidential survey information collected by Energage (formerly WorkplaceDynamics), an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention, from more than 80,000 individuals at 285 Massachusetts organizations. The winners share a few key traits, including offering progressive benefits, giving their employees a voice, and encouraging them to have some fun while they’re at it.
Check out Globe.com/TopPlaces for Top Places to Work online extras which include sortable rankings and features such as showcasing companies that are going the extra mile to make their workplaces more equitable and to help employees connect with one another, and their communities, during the pandemic. Readers can also follow all the news on Twitter at #workboston .

TransAction Associates, Inc. is a woman-owned and operated business based in the Greater Boston area. Since 1990 it has been our mission to provide full-service transportation and customized commuting solutions to our clients, including businesses, property developers, non-profit organizations, municipalities, and government agencies. We offer services ranging from shuttles that connect to transit, serve campuses, or can be used for private or corporate charters. In addition, our proprietary online commuter tool helps people find the best way to get to work, and we can prepare comprehensive compliance reports required by state and local government. For more information, please visit TransActionAssoc.com and tcshuttles.com .

About Boston Globe Media Partners LLC Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC provides news and information, entertainment, opinion and analysis through its multimedia properties. BGMP includes The Boston Globe, Globe.com, Boston.com, STAT and Globe Direct. ###

PR Contact: Michele Brooks ( mbrooks@transactionassoc.com )

Celebrate Rideshare Month in October

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 14:57:00 GMT

What is rideshare month?

Ridesharing is exactly what it sounds like—sharing the ride. You can share with a co-worker, a friend, a family member, or someone you identify through a specific program designed to match people with similar commutes. Commonly referred to as carpooling or vanpooling, the term has come to encompass any form of transportation that moves more than one person at a time such as biking groups, public transit, or riding on private shuttles . Rideshare month celebrates those who rideshare because the choice to use a mode that isn’t a single-occupant vehicle is better for the environment.

Why rideshare?

The benefits of choosing alternatives to driving solo are numerous. Commuters who rideshare save money. According to AAA, the average cost of driving per mile ranges from $0.53 to $0.79 (“AAA’s Your Driving Costs” AAA Exchange, exchange.aaa.com/automotive/driving-costs ). Multiply that seemingly small expense by the number of miles driven per year and the hidden cost of driving alone adds up quickly. To calculate your drive alone cost, try our Commute Cost Calculator.

How does ridesharing help businesses?

How we get to the workplace affects our overall job satisfaction, mood, and productivity. Since 1990, TransAction Associates been providing strategic consulting services focused on transportation solutions that reduce the number of cars on the road for non-profits, municipalities, and companies nationwide. Explore how our Transportation Demand Management (TDM) expertise could benefit your location.

Celebrating National Rideshare Month

Usually observed in the colder months after the peak of the bike to work season is over, Rideshare Month is celebrated in October. To get the most participants a commuter services program should highlight the benefits of a sharing the ride and raise awareness of the available transportation options. A dedicated commute management professional or Transportation Coordinator should use a variety of rideshare tools and programs complimented by promotional marketing designed to encourage participation and long-term behavior-change.

TransAction Associates provides comprehensive commuter services programs for Rideshare Month and beyond that deliver low-cost, high-impact results.

Commuter Origin Analysis. Mapping where commuters begin their trips can illustrate hotspots for potential carpool and vanpool groups, locations for off-site parking, and private shuttle routes. Our commute data experts overlay public transit routes and existing park and ride lots with your zip code data for even deeper analysis.
Commuter Surveys. Gather data to plan for parking demands and gauge commuter interest. Surveying commuters before a program launch is critical to success. Customized to your specific needs, our surveys are secure and anonymous.
Shuttle Options & Off-Site Parking. Private shuttles can connect your commuters to public transit and extend its reach to your location. TransAction Corporate Shuttles offers customized routes designed to meet your needs. Our team of parking demand specialists can assist with locating and procuring the best off-site parking solutions for any increased parking capacity needs.
Online Ridematching. Finding someone to ride with is what ridesharing is all about. To find the best list of partners, you’ll need to base the results on multiple commute factors such as the origin, destination, work hours, and preferences. Our private member-based platform, eCommuter , provides an all-in-one resource for matching to potential carpool, vanpool, and biking partners, exploring transportation options, and much more.
Emergency Ride Home (ERH). One of the biggest barriers to ridesharing is the “what if I need my car?” An ERH program gives commuters the peace of mind to share the ride by providing those who do not have their car due to ridesharing a backup transportation option. Managed and administered through our eCommuter platform, our dispatch team provides our commuters emergency rides home through Lyft, taxi, or Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
Commute Challenges and Incentives. Sometimes you need that extra something to get you started. Designed to encourage and reward those who choose alternatives to driving alone, TransAction Associates manages and administers customizable and scalable promotions focused on sustainability through commuting.
Marketing & Promotions. The best commuter programs are only effective for those who know about them. In partnership with our clients, we design program materials that embrace your corporate culture and communications style. TransAction Associates maintains a full-time in-house creative marketing team dedicated to the success of your commuter services program.

Get your Rideshare Month rolling with TransAction Associates. Discover how we can add to your commuter benefits package, call 781-895-1100 today!

5 Timely Tips for Telecommuting

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 16:20:00 GMT

Whether your company already has a formal telecommuting policy or is just instituting one as a temporary measure, there are many ways to be productive while working from home. Here are five strategies to be a successful telecommuter:

1. Assess your technology and available resources.

First time telecommuting? Figure out what you have and what you might still need. Work-from-home essentials include:

A good high-speed internet connection
The ability to access the company files and resources you need to do your job
A quality headset with a microphone for making work calls

To enhance your productivity, there are also a number of low- or no-cost services like Google Hangouts or GoToMeeting that can help. And make sure you have the phone number and email for your company tech support handy in case you experience any issues.

2. Carve out a comfortable workspace.

Even if you don’t have a dedicated home office, you can still set up a comfortable workspace. The key is keeping the supplies you need within reach so you can work as if you were in the office. This way, you won’t be searching for pens, pencils, a calculator, stapler, printer or whatever when you need them.

As for ergonomics , contrary to its name, a laptop used on your lap isn’t exactly the optimal posture, and it can lead to muscle strain. Find an area that’s well-lit where you can sit comfortably and have your computer at a good height on a stable surface.

3. Establish a consistent workday routine.

To get in the right mindset to work, many telecommuters feel more productive when they get up, shower, and get dressed as if they were going into the office. Of course, you’re at home, so unless you’re videoconferencing, you can wear whatever’s comfortable. At home, it’s also easy to take a break when you need it and stretch, or just regroup. Just try to avoid too many trips to the kitchen — many telecommuters report that it’s easy to fall into the habit of snacking too much.

4. Just “to do” it.

Because it’s easy to fall into your home habits instead of sticking to your work habits, make a to-do list. You can set both short- and long-term goals for yourself. Whether you use a productivity app or an old-fashioned calendar, give yourself time each day to plan what you need to accomplish and how you’ll do it.

5. Are you IN or OUT?

Always let co-workers know when and how they can reach you when you are working at home, and tell your family and friends about your new working from home routine and working hours, too. That way you can set expectations so no one will be disappointed that you can’t visit, and your employer will be happy with your work. Explain when you will and won’t be available to take calls or visits, or help with homework. It’s all about finding the right balance.

Remember that, whether a telecommuting program is formal or informal, it involves mutual trust between an employee and employer. Employers need to have faith that their employees will be as productive working remotely as they are in the office, and employees need to understand what’s expected of them.

Fortunately, there’s evidence that working from home boosts productivity. In a recent survey, Connect Solutions (a private cloud solutions provider) found that 77% of the remote workers report that they are more productive while they telecommute and 30% said that they accomplish more in less time. Talk about a win-win.

Need advice about developing a telecommuting program for your worksite? TransAction Associates offers transportation consulting services to large and small companies on how to set up a commuter services program that includes teleworking. Whether it’s about bringing the worker to work, or the work to the worker – contact TransAction Associates today to find out how we can help.

Meet the New Vice President

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 16:04:00 GMT

MEET THE NEW VICE PRESIDENT

Congratulations Michele Brooks

TransAction’s longest tenured full-time employee, Michele Brooks, is now TransAction Associates Vice President.

If you have ever worked with or worked at TransAction, even for a day, chances are that Michele will help you solve a problem. Michele prides herself on tackling complex challenges and kicking off successful programs. Michele began working at TransAction over 22 years ago when she met Cindy through her previous job as a Project Manager at Caravan for Commuters . Cindy had the need to hire her first full-time employee, and the rest Michele says, “is history.” Michele began her career at TransAction as a traveling Transportation Coordinator for Verizon (formerly Bell Atlantic). Since then, Michele has taken on nearly every role at TransAction (except mechanic).

Michele has established and managed TMAs (Transportation Management Associations), worked on research projects, developed training and education programs, organized large-scale transportation surveys, and implemented on-site commuter programs that encourage employees to consider alternatives to driving alone. Michele worked with the Town of Acton , four other communities and area businesses to establish CrossTown Connect —a totally unique TMA model that provides a coordinated transportation system where there was a patchwork collection of overlapping services. She has also been the Program Manager for the Connecticut Rural Transit Assistance Program for the past six years, coordinating numerous training programs, working closely with representatives from rural transit across the state of Connecticut, and having primary responsibility for Connecticut’s statewide Bus Roadeo held each year in June. Michele is working with the Watertown Transportation Management Association to firmly establish the organization and develop it into a successful long-term initiative. As part of a TransAction team, Michele completed a feasibility study for the City of Salem , analyzing the feasibility of new bus routes.

Currently, she is working on a number of special projects including a feasibility study for a TMA in the Berkshires and on the development of a comprehensive commuter program for a mixed-use site in New Jersey. Michele also works alongside Cheryl Phoenix, the Director of Business Development, and with the Client Services team. Michele takes great pride in mentoring new staff members and watching them learn the business and be successful over time.

Michele continues to be a vital problem solver here at TransAction Associates . She brings energy, years of experience, and most importantly, a willingness to pitch in whenever she is needed.

Thank you for all that you do, Michele! Your new role as TransAction’s Vice President is a well-deserved achievement and professional milestone.

Enjoy A Fall Biking Commute

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 12:58:00 GMT

Change your Clock, Change your Commute

Commuting by bike is a fabulous way to get or stay in shape, enjoy the outdoors, have a less stressful commute. Fall is a great season to start riding in the Boston area since the temperatures are generally cool and crisp. But remember, as the days get shorter the temperature drops after sunset, be prepared in order to enjoy a nice bike ride, both to and from work.

Help Your Morning, The Night Before

Evidence shows that in order to create a new habit, you need to tailor your routine around it. If you want to begin eating healthier, toss the brownies and ice cream and stock your refrigerator with healthy options like Greek yogurt and vegetables. Stop binge-watching Netflix and take a walk instead of planting yourself in front of the TV after dinner. Similar steps are required to get started biking to and from work. For starters, planning ahead is a must. Many people like to bring a change of clothes along with work shoes, a drink, a safety helmet, and bike lock. If you plan to bring your lunch, or you’re transporting your laptop make sure you have a backpack, bag, or basket to pack them in. Built makes great sturdy lunch carriers that can be molded to jam into any backpack. They can also be thrown into the wash, for those times you just may hit a pothole with your bike on the way to work.

Before you get started, find a good, local bike shop and make sure to schedule regular maintenance on your bike. This will give you peace of mind while you commute to and from work. Some shops or local groups even give lessons on how to maintain your bike on your own or make minor emergency repairs.

Set time aside the night before to get everything ready, rather than running around frantic in the morning. The easier you make it, the more likely you will stick to a new habit.

Here is a checklist to help you get started:

Put your helmet by the door, so it’s easy to grab on your way out.
Drink! Drink! Drink! You will feel better on your bike ride to and from work and it will help balance your body temp. Fill that water bottle up to the top and drink it! If coffee is your thing then check out this travel mug holder—you can take a sip at each stop (while looking both ways before you cross, of course).
Dress in comfortable clothing. Remember that the fall mornings can be a bit chilly, so layering is the best idea so you can adjust as you get warmer. Comfy clothes will help you get out of bed and onto your bike. Aim for clothing that is windproof and lightweight, like a windbreaker and maybe a pair of thin gloves if you think your hands might get cold. It’s best to try and be as aerodynamic as possible on your bike in order to brave the autumn winds. A windproof outer layer, one that is woven with little to no space between the threads of the fabric will keep you warmer in the wind, while reducing the drag from the air moving past, helping you to have a smoother overall ride.

A Few More Tips:

A versatile bike lock makes a world of difference. This one just snaps into its holster that you put right onto the frame of your bike, easy on and off. And you know that your bike will be safe while you are at work.
Light it up and be prepared for the earlier sunset. The Fall season brings with it darkness sooner than you were used to in the summer, (especially with DayLight Saving’s “Fall Back” creeping up quickly). ALWAYS remember your lights! At a minimum, a red rear light and a front white headlight are required by law in Massachusetts . Reflective gear and extra lights on your backpack will help you be extra visible, once darkness sets in.
Check the Direction of the Wind. If you find that you are struggling on your bike ride to work, headwinds may be the culprit. On windy days, add 10-15 minutes for your ride so you arrive at work on time. This useful site will help you with the speed and direction of the wind.
Carry an Emergency Kit. Always keep an Emergency Kit on hand to be prepared for the “what ifs”. Some important items to have with you are hand warmers, a flashlight, a portable phone charger (make sure to keep it charged), clean socks and a healthy snack.
Remember to have fun. On your day off, try a few different routes, maybe some quieter streets, or a more scenic route than you usually take. You may find that it’s worth your while to add a few minutes to your cycling ride to work when you aren’t fighting for road space with the cars on the road. Check out Boston’s Bike Lane Map and you can see some alternative routes.
Consider an eBike. Check out Espin Electric Bikes' "Cost Comparison: How Owning an Electric Bike Saves You Money" for more information.

Additional Resource for Bikers:

Want to see how many emissions you’re saving by biking to work? Or find a bike buddy that you can share your ride with? See if your employer or residential location offers eCommuter.org. If so, you can register online and find helpful biking information like route planning assistance, bike partner matching, a cost-saving calculator, as well as a way to track your trips to see your pollution savings impact and monies saved. If you have an Emergency Ride Home (ERH) program available to you, like the one offered through eCommuter, it provides peace of mind for commuters who choose to carpool, vanpool, walk, bike, or use public transportation to get to work. In the event of an emergency, transportation is provided by Lyft™, taxi or rental car – usually within thirty minutes — and at no cost to the participant.

Happy Fall Biking!

Happy Retirement to Rob Tassinari

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 14:46:00 GMT

Happy Retirement, Rob Tassinari!

At the end of June 2019, TransAction Associates Vice President, Rob Tassinari, officially retired from his 21-year career with the company. Prior to joining the team, Rob was working for Massport , managing a Transportation Management Association (TMA) at Logan Airport. TransAction Associates President and Founder, Cindy Frené, met Rob at a conference in 1998 and eventually convinced him to accept a position as Project Manager of a new project that was just starting called the Access to Jobs Initiative. Together, the two worked on the project which was the transportation component of Massachusetts’ Welfare to Work . The effort went on to win national awards and recognition before the state scaled it back in 2007.

When the Federal Transit Administration released an RFP (request for proposal) for the management of the National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) in 2008, Cindy and Rob prepared and submitted a proposal that included totally revamping the program. It was a long shot because they were taking on a Goliath of an organization that had held the contract for 17 years, but they took a chance and did it anyway. It paid off, TransAction's proposal won the bid and it was the first step towards a major transition in the company and for the program.

ProcurementPRO was Rob’s first big project for National RTAP and one of his favorites. In 2009 Rob, Cindy, Frank Condon, and a number of Review Board members envisioned a “Turbo Tax-like” online system where transit agencies could more easily manage their procurement process for things like purchasing buses for their fleet. Using the system they imagined agencies could input their procurement types, budget, and method into a software program and would receive all the necessary Federal clauses and certifications for a procurement. The project was a huge success and in 2019 ProcurementPRO 2.0 was released and currently assists many transit systems nationally.

In addition to the Federal project, Rob took on many others in between, including completing several hundred (if not thousands) of surveys and compliance reports over two decades. Cindy and Rob tackled new projects together, some they never tried before, and managed to figure out the best course of action to do the best job possible. In the end, this growth mindset resulted in TransAction gaining a lot of experience in many areas and enhanced the company’s reputation at the same time.

Over the years Rob also played a major role in the success and expansion of TransAction Corporate Shuttle s. He helped prepare bids to seek out new business, and in the early days if a driver didn’t show up for a shift, Rob or Cindy would hop into the vehicle and cover the route.

Rob became Vice President and partial owner of TransAction in 2003. When he joined TransAction there were 7 or 8 employees. Today, we have more than 160. He’s always been willing to take on new projects, supporting Cindy and all employees with his quiet, thoughtful, but very humorous demeanor.

Although Rob will be missed greatly by his colleagues and collaborators, retirement should have some fun times in store. Rob is an active bicyclist who enjoyed biking to work and on trips around the world, he surfs (not the web – an actual surfboard) and has had the opportunity to ride the waves of Hawaii and the Island of Wales, he has also hiked Mount Washington in the winter. During his retirement, Rob plans to continue his surfing, biking and hiking adventures. He will also be moving into a new house in Hampton, New Hampshire where he will be working in his new garden, and spending time volunteering.

Thank you for 21 wonderful years, Rob!

Carpooling – The Comeback Kid of Commutes

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 19:09:00 GMT

Carpooling – The Comeback Kid of Commutes

The First Carpool

Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble were quite possibly the first carpoolers. With their zero-emission, self-propelled vehicle, they were the original green commuters. They probably had no choice but to share the ride because it took two people to move that cumbersome “car” anywhere. No matter, necessity is the mother of invention. Moving out of the Stone Age and into the 20th century, Henry Ford saw the need for affordable reliable transportation so he invented the Model T. By 1913, he had also invented the assembly line and lead to more than 2 million “Tin Lizzies” on the road by 1915.

Ford Assembly Line, circa 1929.

Carpooling Origins in the Real World

Carpooling among humans, as opposed to cartoon characters, followed closely behind the invention of the car. While sharing the ride has had its ups and downs in terms of popularity in the U.S. over time, it has always found a way to make a comeback:

Shortly after the car rose to popularity in 1914 the U.S. was in a recession and people began inviting others to ride with them. They charged around the same price as a streetcar ride and turned their cars into jitneys , an early version of Lyft and Uber.
During World War II as part of the need to conserve fuel for the war effort, the U.S. Government produced an ad campaign to encourage carpooling. Even Dr. Seuss got in on the action and helped design a poster with the slogan “ Help win the war, squeeze in one more .”
Carpooling rose to popularity again in the 70s as part of the fuel crisis and by 1980 almost 25% of Americans were riding in carpools .

Currently, carpooling has seen its popularity wane. The most recent data from the U.S. Census shows that only about 9% of the population is willing to share the ride. But to those of us who are paying attention, it looks like the carpool might be poised for a comeback.

The Carpool Comeback

There are still places where carpooling has found its niche. In San Francisco for example, you can hang out in a designated area in East Bay and hitch a ride in a Casual Carpool with a commuter crossing the bridge into San Francisco. In the Washington DC area, it’s called “slugging.” A driver who needs passengers to be able to use the HOV lane goes to a “slug line” to pick up those who are waiting there. Drivers let the passengers know where they are headed and they hop in to share the ride.

Some commuters in Washington DC get to work by “slugging”. These carpools form when drivers and passengers pair up in park-n-ride lots located in and around the metro area.

Carpooling Reduces Traffic Congestion & Improves Air Quality

Carpooling represents the height of simplicity in terms of alternative commuting. Just find someone whose commute matches yours and share the ride to work. Most cars have at least four seats, so why drive around with three of them empty? Even if you only carpool some of the time, statistically you will have an impact on air quality and traffic congestion.

We Can Help

TransAction Associates developed eCommuter , an online commuter tool, that lets users create a profile in a real-time database to see who else matches their commute. They can also calculate the cost of their trip to work, or even explore bike and transit options. Many employers are now offering ridematch databases like eCommuter so their employees can realize the many benefits associated with carpooling. Given the increase in traffic and the rise in greenhouse gas emissions, it seems like carpooling is about to be cool again.

Now if we could figure out how to get a workout in during the commute like Fred and Barney did, then everyone would be able to carpool and stay fit at the same time.

The Road to Tomorrow

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 19:14:00 GMT

The Road to Tomorrow

Mention the words future and transportation in the same sentence and everyone starts picturing the iconic flying car from The Jetsons. The Jetsons was set in 2062 and conceived in 1962. From here in 2019 the future looks very different from the one imagined for the cartoon.

In January of 2018, Governor Charlie Baker asked 19 people from around the state to become part of a Commission on the Future of Transportation in the Commonwealth. The group met monthly for a year to explore what transportation in Massachusetts might look like between 2020 and 2040. Their goal was to make recommendations that would advise the Baker-Polito administration. They did not use a crystal ball but instead relied on their own varied expertise, a study of current trends, and a process of scenario planning. They released their final report in December and called it “ Choices for Stewardship: Recommendations to Meet the Transportation Future .”

While there are no flying cars mentioned in the report, there are cars that can drive themselves as well as cars that run without gasoline. The report is thoughtful and the hope is that it does not go to live on a dusty shelf, but is referred to often and used as a guide as decisions are made around transportation.

The report advises that: “We can’t know the future,” and that in fact, “many futures are possible for Massachusetts and its transportation system.” What happens in the future will depend on a number of factors including the development of technology, population and employment trends, land use and development patterns, and the Commonwealth’s stance on the reduction of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.

The report has been much discussed around the Commonwealth since its release, and while it might not be as riveting as the famous rivalry between Spacely Space Sprockets and Cogswell Cogs on The Jetsons, it’s still pretty big.

The question is what will we do next? A recent article from Mobility Lab examined how societal values impact an individual’s transportation choices. They concluded that “individuals are weak, society is strong” and that “shifts in attitude must precede shifts in daily habits, and in infrastructure, to create real change.”

When we look ahead will we take a step in the right direction as a society and remember the words of Robert Frost to take “the road less traveled?” Because what we do next will make all the difference.

What It Means to be A Top Workplace

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 19:21:00 GMT

What It Means to be A Top Workplace

On any given weekday more than 80% of us head to work. In an average year most people will work more than 2,000 hours at a full-time job and during an average American worker’s lifetime they will spend about 90,000 hours at work—that’s over 3,750 days! Add to that the average 30,000 lifetime hours spent commuting to work (1,250 days) and that’s a lot of time devoted to your job.

Sadly, according to a recent survey by the think tank The Conference Board only 51% of employees said that they were satisfied with their job overall. With unemployment rates at historic lows and employees leaving their jobs voluntarily more than ever, it’s important for employers to look at what they can do to retain their workforce. Forbes Magazine says that “to truly enjoy their jobs, employees must feel that their employers respect them and will provide them with what they need to be successful in both their professional and personal lives.”

So, if you are an employer how do you know if you are getting it right? One way is to see what your employees think about working for you. For the past 11 years, The Boston Globe has partnered with research and consulting firm, Energage , to manage company nominations and survey their employees on what they think about their workplace. The surveys are conducted anonymously and ask questions that cover 24 different factors. 128 of the 318 organizations that took this year’s survey made it onto The Boston Globe’s 2018 Top Places to Work in Massachusetts list.

TransAction Associates is proud to have made that list for the second time. A woman-owned and operated business for more than 28 years, the company has grown from one employee to 150 and has expanded from a transportation consulting business to also include a corporate shuttle and private charter division. In those 28 years we have been incredibly fortunate to have top-notch employees who share in our corporate vision. It’s not often that we pat ourselves on the back for a job well-done, but in this case, we will take a bow and thank our team for recognizing us. At TransAction Associates, we live our mission every day: “To deliver a standard of excellence that conveys our core values of safety, dedication, honesty, and integrity.”

Congratulations to all of the companies on the list. You know that you are doing something right when your employees take the time to tell you they are happy. Thomas Edison said “I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun.” We wish that for the 80% of you who are heading out to work again tomorrow!

How do YOU do healthy?

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 19:24:00 GMT

How do YOU do healthy?

image credit: AARP Public Policy Institute

Plato said that…

The part can never be well unless the whole is well.

The rise of integrative health practices and attention to treating the whole person suggests that there are benefits to thinking this way. While the National Institute for Health does not suggest using practices like meditation in place of traditional care, it does say that there’s evidence that it may reduce blood pressure, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, it may ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as help people with insomnia. Seeing ourselves as a whole person instead of the sum of our parts may lead us down the path to healthfulness.

To that end, the American Association of Retired Persons has identified a group of 10 leaders who they are calling AARP Well-being Champions . These individuals are part of an effort by the group to create a “Culture of Health.” This is broadly defined as having a vision of health that applies across the spectrum to people of all ages in all communities. It’s a way of focusing energy on healthfulness.

Robin Phillips, the Executive Director of the National Rural Transit Assistance Program, is an AARP Well-being Champion. Robin is a bike commuter in Washington D.C. Her commute mode shows her deep understanding of the connection between health and the environment and how the choices we make every day have an impact. As a passionate advocate for rural transportation initiatives, AARP noted that Robin also get results. A program she developed lead to intercity bus service being restored to more than 600 rural communities along 80 routes. Reinstating this service provided greater access to jobs, health-care services, and other resources supporting well-being. Robin’s personal choices as well as her work on behalf of rural communities make her an ideal AARP Well-being Champion.

What can you do to help promote a “culture of health?” Share your thoughts with us using #howdoyoudohealthy

Grown-up Recess – the Best Part of the Day

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 19:38:00 GMT

Grown-up Recess – the Best Part of the Day

When was the last time you had a chance to play? Was it hanging out with some friends back in the third grade? Or were you younger and visited a park with other toddlers digging in the sand? Years of research supports the fact that children need play for many reasons including their social, emotional, and cognitive development as well as for their overall well-being .

All that playing as a child helps develop articulate, well-balanced, socially savvy, evolved adults. This makes for more desirable employees as these skills are highly valued in the workplace. It would stand to reason that engaging in playtime as adults could have many benefits. Why then, does it seem most adults have forgotten how to play?

There are many different ways to incorporate “play” back into your life. The key is to find something you enjoy, makes you happy, and feels like a “want to” rather than a “have to.” When you look at it that way, “playing” as an adult can take many forms. Physical activity causes your body to release endorphins that make you feel better. It can also help to keep you physically fit by managing your weight and blood pressure. So activities like skiing, playing in a basketball or softball league or riding your bike to work can take you back to what it was like when you were a kid.

Maybe for you, playing doesn’t involve a physical activity but instead it’s a weekly game night, cooking a special meal, or reading a book. Whatever you decide “playing” means to you, commit to it and do it regularly. It will make you healthier (mentally and/or physically) and can help you in your career.

Dr. Bowen White, of the National Institute for Play , a nonprofit that seeks to “discover all that play has to teach us about transforming our world”, asserts that if you can find a way to make your job more fun, you will be more productive. Companies like Google and LinkedIn learned this a long time ago when they put ping pong and foosball tables in their office spaces.

According to an Inc Magazine article there are five key reasons that companies should consider incorporating some form of regular “playtime” into their employees workday:

Play improves cognitive function – From Sudoku to Scrabble to chess, playing games results in “better problem-solving skills, greater retention of learned information, and enhanced creativity and imaginative thinking.”
Play increases productivity – Regular breaks and “free play” make employees more productive. Conversely not taking a break can result in decreased work performance.

3. Play enhances talent acquisition – Millennial workers are expected to make up roughly 75 percent of the global workplace by 2025 and they seek out workplaces that promote fun at work.

4. Play reduces stress and burnout – “By allowing employees opportunities to let go of stress and recharge, businesses can reduce absenteeism due to illness or burnout.”

5. Play boosts workplace satisfaction – Playtime influences positive workplace relationships that can result in less stress and better collaboration.

So go ahead and spin that fidget spinner. Take a lunchtime stroll. Know that recess can be just as good as you remembered it was.

Mastering the Art of the Tranquil Commute

Sun, 08 Jul 2018 19:52:00 GMT

Mastering the Art of the Tranquil Commute

It’s a well-known fact that commuting to work each day causes stress and anxiety and that it can take a psychological toll on individuals. Psychology Today reports that it’s partly because of its “unpredictability and a sense of loss of control.”

But does it have to be that way? Even though commuting times are increasing and traffic is getting worse, is there a way to take back control and bring some balance to time spent getting to and from work? Can you find your inner peace while driving in bumper to bumper traffic? While pressed up close to your seatmates on the train? Listening to your carpool partner talk for an hour about the floral arrangements at her upcoming wedding? The answer may just be in changing your habits and your mindset.

Try Transit

A study conducted at the University of Anglia looked at survey data from 18,000 commuters and their findings were that those who commuted by transit were happier. They believe that this is because driving is a “non-passive travel mode” meaning that drivers have to be constantly on alert and paying attention and that this can be “boring, isolating, and stressful.” By comparison “active travelers,” such as those who use transit, were happier and weighed less. This can be attributed to that fact that most transit riders walk for at least part of their trip. The researchers concluded that this appeared to “cheer people up.”

Consider Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a mental state that promotes a focused awareness on the present moment and on the thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations that are happening in that moment. It has become incredibly popular. The Harvard Gazette recently published an article touting the benefits of mindfulness saying that there is “a growing body of research showing that it reduces stress and anxiety, improves attention and memory, and promotes self-regulation and empathy.” Combining mindfulness with meditation can yield many benefits as well. The practice involves sitting comfortably, regulating your breathing and, focusing your attention in a way that isn’t expectant on a particular outcome. Practicing mindfulness and or meditation before and after work or even during the day may help to calm your thoughts and help you manage the negative impacts of your commute.

Plan Ahead

Most experts agree that planning ahead can help to reduce your stress level, much of which comes from feelings of anxiety or pressure. Commuting can often be unpredictable and that leads to getting stressed. While no one can see a major traffic incident or transit delay coming, you can try to make sure that you have enough time built in to your schedule to arrive at work without feeling totally frazzled. This could mean negotiating flexible work hours so you can commute around peak traffic. It could also involve some days spent teleworking from home and avoiding the commute altogether if your company allows it.

Get Enough Sleep and Eat Right

Nothing zaps the zen out of your commute faster than feeling tired and having low energy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administratio n reports that between 2011 and 2015 there were a total of 4,121 crashes related to drowsy driving and it is strongly believed that this number is seriously underreported and so is likely considerably higher. If you are driving, then don’t put yourself and other drivers at risk. Check out our earlier blog post for tips on getting better sleep . You can help yourself to be alert and at your best by starting with any number of healthy foods to get you going in the morning including things like oatmeal, egg whites, yogurt, and fresh fruit. New research even indicates that coffee is beneficial and may even help you live longer so go ahead and enjoy that cup before you head out.

Share Your #CalmCommute Story

Things like listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks are often good ways to refocus your energy on something positive that you enjoy while you are commuting. How do you find your commuting nirvana? Share your story on social media with #calmcommute and we will publish the best ideas.

The future of transportation is… a bus?

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 19:57:00 GMT

The future of transportation is… a bus?

Once considered the least glamorous of public transportation services, it seems that buses may be poised to make a big comeback. CityLab , a website focused on “design, transportation, environment, equity, and life,” is launching an ongoing series on their website called “ Bus to the Future ” with a goal of putting public coaches front and center once again.

CityLab wants to remind people that buses are:

a cheap and flexible general-purpose option
available already
carry large numbers of people in a compact amount of road space
don’t require special rights-of-way
can be deployed and rerouted in response to needs
affordable to cities in terms of both capital costs and often operations as well

While the American Public Transportation Association indicates that as recently as 1990 bus trips represented about two thirds of all transit trips, more recent Department of Transportation figures show that bus ridership has been on the decline over the past decade. Transit ridership overall is down, and many bus riders have been replaced by an increase in subway and rail riders. Not to mention the fact that, despite their closely guarded data, many believe that ride hailing services like Uber and Lyft are pulling riders off of public transportation.

But don’t count buses out just yet. Beginning with an experiment that established a pop-up bus lane where there had been on-street parking in Everett, in February of 2017, Massachusetts began testing the idea that bus lanes can save time for commuters. The project was so successful that the bus lane has become permanent. BostonBRT, a project of the Barr Foundation, is providing the funding for the Everett project as well as pilot projects in Arlington, Cambridge, and Watertown. The participating communities all developed successful grant applications for the program and are working with the MBTA to make the projects a reality. The goal is to show that Bus Rapid Transit has the potential to improve the transit experience in areas where there is high bus ridership as well as high traffic.

New bus technology is on the horizon that could make travel by bus even more convenient. Just a few months ago in San Ramon, California, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority launched the first autonomous shuttle bus. The City of Rochester Minnesota also recently tested a driverless bus. Both pilots used an electric bus to cut down on emissions. The hope is that the buses would improve safety and have the ability to offer more frequent service with smaller flexible vehicles.

With a recent shift in demographics to more urban areas and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions from mobile sources, buses may once again be the next big thing in transportation. Check out www.citylab.com for the latest article in the Bus to the Future series.

Get Better Sleep & Improve Your Commute

Mon, 14 May 2018 20:06:00 GMT

Get Better Sleep & Improve Your Commute

You probably know that May is National Bike Month , but did you know that it is also Better Sleep Month ?

May was established as National Bike Month back in 1956 with a focus on bike safety. Today, the League of American Bicyclists promotes the event as a way to get people to try biking. Part of the month-long promotion includes Bike to Work Week which encourages commuters to think about how they might use pedal power instead of fossil fuel for their trip to work. Massachusetts has an established network of Park and Pedal locations where you can drive part of the way and park then take your bike in case your commute is too long to bike all of the way.

Of course, in order to tackle any physical or mental challenge, you will do better if you get a good night of sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, research shows that after people sleep they retain information and perform better on memory tasks. The average adult needs around 7-9 hours a night. In addition, sleep is needed to rejuvenate, grow muscle, and repair tissue. Lack of sleep can lead to weight gain and is a contributing factor in a number of diseases. Not to mention that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributes thousands of crashes each year to drowsy driving from lack of sleep.

www.sleepbetter.org has five simple tips to help you get a better night of sleep:

Don’t eat too much or drink alcohol right before bed
Create a bedtime routine
Stick to your schedule
Check your bedroom temperature and keep it between 60 and 68 degrees
Do a bedding check and replace bedding regularly to keep it fresh

Along with exercise and getting a good night of sleep eating a nutritious diet will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle overall. Good news, May is also National Egg Month, National Asparagus Month, National Sweet Vidalia Onions Month and National Strawberry Month.

It’s Move More Month

Sun, 08 Apr 2018 20:13:00 GMT

It’s Move More Month

During the month of April, the American Heart Association wants you to commit to getting – and staying – more active. That’s because April is Move More Month .

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that only about one in three Americans get the amount of recommended physical activity (about 30 minutes per day) in a given week. Combine that with the fact that most Americans eat far fewer vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and dairy products than they should and it’s no wonder that a recent report projects that by 2030 at least 50% of all adults will be obese.

A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise can have many long-term health benefits including preventing heart disease, cancer, and stroke. When you get out and Move More you can control your weight, condition your heart and lungs, improve your sleep, reduce your stress and increase your energy.

There are some things that you can do to get on the right track with your exercise routine. Don’t get overwhelmed. Start with something small and make just one change to your routine at a time. Plan out what you are going to do so that you are prepared, and don’t be discouraged if you slip up from time to time. The important thing is to get started and maintain your commitment to making a change.

For those who want to save time while they get healthy, consider biking or walking to work. Most people find up to five miles is a relatively easy bike or walk; six to ten miles is a bit harder, but still reasonable. U.S News and World Report offers some tips to get started turning your commute into a workout:

Practice your commute on an off day from work so you can feel confident on the first day.
Prepare all of your clothing and equipment in advance and try to think through everything you will need.
Be safe and always have a back-up plan in case it starts to rain or get dark earlier than expected.

The American Heart Association has many resources available on their website www.heart.org including a toolkit to help you get started planning a Move More Month event at your location.

More Ways to Enjoy the Comforts of Home

Sun, 25 Mar 2018 20:22:00 GMT

More Ways to Enjoy the Comforts of Home

According to an article in National Real Estate Investor Online , connection is the best amenity that an apartment complex can offer its tenants. Since more of us are living in apartments than in the past, offering some perks is a way to stand out in a competitive market.

Apartment dwellers are looking to live where they can connect with their neighbors and with local amenities, and tenants are 25% more likely to renew their lease if they have friends that live in same complex.

The lobbies of newer apartment buildings are no longer just a utilitarian space to pass through, they are being designed to be an inviting location that can host events where neighbors socialize. These new and improved spaces are also where property developers can house concierge services for their tenants to help them with their dry cleaning and package deliveries. Amenities like these help residents create a better work/life balance.

Many developers with apartment complexes in suburban locations are offering shuttle service to connect people with transit in order to compete for tenants with their urban counterparts. For those that don’t own cars, or those that do but don’t want to deal with the hassles associated with driving to work, the connection to transit can be a place to get back valuable time and reduce stress.

Ask your potential landlord what amenities they have to offer before you sign that lease and check www.transactionassoc.com to learn more about transportation options in your area.

Is it time to make a commitment?

Sun, 11 Feb 2018 20:30:00 GMT

Is it time to make a commitment?

It’s that time of year again—can you smell the chocolate in the air? February means it’s time for Valentine’s Day and it might be time for you to decide if you are ready for a commitment. A commitment to carpool that is.

Carpooling is a great way to save money, reduce wear and tear on your car, and ease some of the stress that can be associated with driving in winter weather. A survey by Commuter Connections in Washington D.C. indicated that carpoolers express higher levels of satisfaction with their commute than those who drove alone.

Looking for a meaningful relationship, but not a full-time commitment? Burning just one gallon of gas releases 8,887 grams of CO2 into the environment, so carpooling even one or two days a week is good for you and good for the environment.

If you are ready to fall in love with carpooling, here are some tips to get started:

Find a Ride

Check out your local resources to see how you can find a carpool partner. Many companies offer a ridematching service to their employees to help them connect, some even have an Emergency Ride Home Program that can cover you if you need to leave work unexpectedly.

Establish Ground Rules

Establish ground rules for the group. Every good relationship is based on communication. Before you get started, agree on the driving arrangements. Decide if there will be eating, if you will play music and if so what kind, etc.

Set a Schedule

Set the monthly driving schedule in advance so everyone knows what to expect.

Be Punctual

Whether you are a passenger or the driver, no one likes to wait for Last Minute Larry or Laura. Decide in advance how long you will wait for late passengers.

Safety First

Focus on safety. Keep your car clean and well-maintained and drive safely–even more so than you would if you were driving alone. Remember that every carpooler has an employer, a mother, a brother, a partner, fish or dog that wants you to know you are carrying precious cargo.

Calculate your annual carpool savings

It may surprise you how much you save, visit http://ecommuter.org/commuter-services/commuter-savings-calculator to see your green commute savings.

What did you resolve to do in 2018?

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 20:33:00 GMT

According to www.statisticbrain.com around 40% of Americans usually make a New Year’s Resolution. The most common resolutions probably won’t surprise you. Number one is to lose weight/eat healthier and number two is to make some life/self-improvements. How many people actually keep their resolutions? Less than 10%.

The key to keeping your commitment may be simple. Dr. Michael Steinberg of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School said in a USA Today article that there is scientific evidence to support the idea that you are more likely to stick to your behavior change if it is moderate and takes place over time instead of drastic. For example, commit to working out for 30 minutes a few times a week rather than going to the gym every day, and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t stick strictly to the plan.

That’s why carpooling just one to two days per week might be right for you. You can enjoy the benefits of sharing the ride to work without giving up your car every day. Carpooling occasionally can give you flexibility and still have a big impact on your pocketbook. The third most popular resolution? Making better financial decisions. Carpoolers save money by sharing the cost of the commute and reducing wear and tear on their vehicle.

So even if you didn’t make a resolution, it’s never too late to make a change. Just a small one can make a big difference. Visit www.transactionassoc.com to see how our Commuter Services Programs can help you plan a better commute.

Getting Home for the Holidays

Tue, 19 Dec 2017 20:37:00 GMT

Is your To Do list making you feel like this isn’t the “most wonderful time of the year?”

Maybe taking control of your commute can help.

If you live in Eastern Massachusetts, or parts of Southern New Hampshire, the U.S Census Bureau says it’s taking you almost 31 minutes a day to get to work. It’s part of an ongoing trend that’s seen commute times increase in recent years. In this area, your commute is nearly five minutes longer a day than just about anywhere else in the country. That’s roughly 20 extra hours of commuting a year.

All that time spent commuting could be put to better use when you leave the driving to someone else. Go ahead – give yourself the green light to make a different choice. By carpooling, vanpooling, or taking transit (even just two days a week), you could use your commute to do more productive things. Maybe even tackle your holiday checklist!

Take control of your commute and have more time to:

Make your list — and check it twice!
Gift shop online
Send holiday cards
Make dinner reservations
Catch up with long-distance friends
Read
Tune in to podcasts
Get extra shut-eye
Schedule appointments
Clean up your inbox

Resolve to get a better commute so you can enjoy more of the “hap-happiest season of all.” Check out TransActionAssoc.com for more commuting tips and the latest news on traffic and transportation.

Making Bicycle Commuting Work

Thu, 21 Jul 2016 12:35:00 GMT

Making Bicycle Commuting Work

Boston is ranked 4th most bike-friendly city according to The League of American Bicyclists , and continues to move up in ranking for safety and bicycle-friendly roadways and advocacy all the way to the legislative level. Since the last U.S. Census, there has been a 60% increase in bicycling to work .

More and more people are opting to commute via bicycle as opposed to single occupancy vehicle or even mass transit due to growing popularity and increased bike-friendly roadways and trails.

MassCommute Marks Cycling Growth

May 2016 marked the 21st MassCommute Bicycle Challenge , where commuters competed against one another as employer-based teams to log the most miles commuting via bicycle. MassCommute is comprised of the twelve Transportation Management Associations surrounding greater Boston and supported by MassDOT, MassRIDES and MassBIKE.

Patrick Sullivan, LEED Green Associate and Director of Policy and Outreach at the Waltham-based TMA 128 Business Council said, “Participation has grown more and more every year, which is great. We’re seeing more new faces that are not your typical cyclist saying it’s an efficient way to get to work.”

There are a variety of groups pushing cycling throughout the whole year as opposed to optimal seasons when cycling is more prevalent. It is fast becoming a legitimate way to commute. Through the TMAs, local city and town bike groups and groups formed independently, more resources from local government and grants are funding more bicycle safety and infrastructure.

Making Roadways Better for Bikes

Pro-cycling infrastructure in Boston has improved greatly over the last decade. There are more bike markings, bicycle-friendly roads and bicycle lanes. As a result, the safety and riding challenges associated with cycling in traffic is becoming less of an impediment for those wanting to cycle as a commuting option. Boston is moving in a positive direction, following the lead of big cities with a large commuter cycling population. MassDOT is painting new bike lanes and adjacent smaller cities and towns are following suit, realizing it’s something people want and not just a niche interest—it’s a legitimate mode of transportation and growing in demand.

From the earliest planning stages of new projects in their purview, MassDOT is required to consider all road users, including cyclists. The state upholds these requirements and participates publicly in pro-cycling events and discussions, giving cycling more thoughtful consideration along with our local cities and towns.

The interagency group Boston Complete Streets is a city organization focused on designing multimodal access which puts pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users on equal footing with motor-vehicle drivers. These efforts are just a few of the important changes occurring in the Commonwealth to create safer and easier access to everyone, regardless of transportation

Bike Sharing with Hubway

Hubway is Boston’s bike sharing organization and provides people with bicycles they can utilize based on their commuting preferences. Hubway stations are strategically located throughout Metro Boston and in proximity to mass transit, universities and businesses. Hubway is adding new bikes, docks and stations to their system every year as demand increases. Unfortunately, user membership fees are insufficient to support the Hubway system, so many corporate sponsors such as New Balance help cover the cost of implementing and maintaining the system.

Do you wonder who takes care of making sure there are enough Hubway bicycles? Hubway has a fleet of “bike balancers,” vans and staff who monitor demand and make sure bikes are available and working. For example, before a Red Sox game, bikes will be more evenly distributed throughout the city for those who wish to bike to and from the game.

Cycling is here to stay, and offers everyone a fun, healthy and low-cost option to getting around town. How can you incorporate more cycling into your life? Check out these helpful links to learn more:

Have questions about bicycle commuting or how you can start a bicycle commuting program at your workplace or community? Contact us with your questions or call us at 781-895-1100.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter , DRIVEN, and stay in the loop on the important issues that impact how you get around town.

Nurturing Culture Through Collaboration

Thu, 21 Jul 2016 12:23:00 GMT

How to Use the Art of Collaboration to Instill Culture

n the April 2015 Harvard Business Review article, There’s a Difference Between Cooperation and Collaboratio n, Ron Ashkenas explains how collaboration doesn’t always align with cooperation in the business environment, costing hours of lost productivity and troubled, if not failed, outcomes. He writes,

The bottom line here is that cross-functional collaboration is easy to talk about but hard to do, particularly because we tend to get stuck in cooperating mode. So if you are able to map out what’s needed and bring the needed parties into alignment around it, you’ll not only make an impact on your organization, but begin to develop some important collaborative skills that are often in short supply.

It’s important to note the distinction between these two activities. One aspect about collaboration and cooperation often overlooked is that encouraging collaborative behavior increases appreciation of others. When there is a deeper understanding of what coworkers face in their day-to-day roles as well as how they accomplish their work, it instills a sense of camaraderie and ownership that’s unique to the organization. It’s what builds a culture.

Internal Collaboration

Collaboration is the lifeblood of any healthy organization driven by the talents and leadership of its people. Collaboration takes many forms, whether it’s in the planning and executing of a new initiative that impacts the entire company or celebrating a team’s joint accomplishment. With internal collaboration, nothing happens in a vacuum because many minds working together outperform a single mind because of the power of combined alignment.

Consider how you can inspire internal collaborative behavior as a function of not only how you work as a company, but the mechanism of how you develop and cultivate culture. One mechanism that enculturates collaboration early is with new hires. Incorporating collaboration as a cultural approach early on helps new hires understand not only how the business operates, but how people think within the organization by demonstrating collaboration and mentorship. Build learning about the company through the collaborative actions and insights of others and invite discussion and problem solving as a team.

Customer Collaboration

Collaboration is a critical pathway to success when working with customers and partners to solve their challenges, not just the problems your organization is being engaged to solve for them. This is where a successful organization can go beyond the role of “supplier” or “vendor” to “partner.” Collaboration not only enhances the quality of the customer experience, but it also builds trust and helps your organization understand a different viewpoint of your customer’s world. This opens possibility for new alliances, new business opportunities and sustainable business relationships.

Observing how your customers collaborate (or don’t) within their organization also has value for your company. This can be observed through daily interactions with your customers or just listening to how they complain or comment about their own operation. With the right listening, you can capture insights and bring them back into your organization to either practice or evaluate for worthiness and fit into your collaborative culture.

How you Can Use Collaboration to Instill Culture

Here are a few things to consider when looking at how your organization can enhance culture through collaboration:

Encourage skill set, tenure and role diversity when designing collaborative teams
Offer coaching in listening, communication and negotiating skills
Cross-train collaboration skills by having teams share success stories
Use appreciative inquiry (focus on the positive aspects of individuals and objectives) practices
Foster a broader view of how collaboration helps enrich your organization’s culture
Employ brainstorming activities when collaborating to inspire more creative solutions
Invite new perspectives and different ways to approach problem solving
Include unique roles or outside partners for different points of view
Notice how other parts of your company or your customers collaborate and share best practices (as well as things that don’t work for learning and improvement) organization-wide

Collaboration is an evolving skill that is exhibited through the actions, attitudes and intention of people within any organization, whether a two-man operation or a 50,000-person global enterprise. Seek opportunities to be a better collaborator, help your customers and partners succeed by collaborating in a combined vision, and acknowledge your company’s commitment to creating a collaborative culture that works for everyone.

Want more helpful communication and business tips? Make sure you’re signed up for our monthly newsletter, DRIVEN.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter , DRIVEN, and stay in the loop on the important issues that impact how you get around town.

Electronic Fare Collection

Thu, 21 Jul 2016 12:13:00 GMT

Delivering Speed Through Rider Technology

Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack stated, “Much of what people want in their lives is time. We can give people their time back by making their commute reliable.” In an effort to reduce the time it takes for riders to board and pay fares, many transit providers including MassDOT are experimenting with digital fares paid through mobile apps.

MassDOT currently uses the CharlieCard, a reusable, rechargeable smart card that stores value for single or multiple-rides and/or a T-pass, and often passes along discounts based on rider frequency. MBTA officials stated they are planning to completely phase out cash fare payments on buses and trains , encouraging riders to use mobile phones, credit cards and new CharlieCards instead. This planned change is still two-years out, however, and subject to approval by MBTA’s fiscal control board.

The benefits of electronic fare collection are obvious. By eliminating cash fares, riders are boarding faster and there is less administrative labor for counting, verifying and managing cash fare boxes. There are many service providers offering digital fare apps, many of which can be easily downloaded for free to a smart phone via the iTunes® or Google Play™ app stores. One company, New-York-based Bytemark, provides the MassDOT BusPlus+ app which allows riders to find and purchase tickets for a variety of New England bus and coach providers, including regional Transportation Management Associations (TMA) and their shuttle routes.

Although electronic fare boxes and smart cards are the first steps toward moving away from cash-based fares, mobile apps are by far the most efficient. Apps allow users to recharge their account right within the app, making it as seamless and efficient as possible to manage and check fare balance without having to use a vending machine or other device. Establishing a cashless fare system is challenging in many cities, however, MBTA is incentivized to reduce expense and overhead of on-bus fare collection boxes (costing $30,000 each) and vending machines (costing $45,000 each) and moving to this type of fare collection technology will reduce these types of overhead costs.

Have questions about implementing better technology for your ridership? Contact us with your questions or call us at 781-895-1100.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter , DRIVEN, and stay in the loop on the important issues that impact how you get around town.

Team ‘Heck of a Cause’ Raises $185K for Dana-Farber at PMC

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:39:00 GMT

This is a very special dedication for a close family friend, Nicole Heck, who passed away today of last year from breast cancer at only 34 years old.

Nicole was an important part of TransAction’s extended family. She left behind her husband Kevin and two beautiful little girls, Alivia age 6 and Kylie age 4. She courageously fought this vicious disease for 15 months with an amazingly positive attitude and grace.

In honor of Nicole, TransAction Associates’ President Cindy Frene, Director of Transportation Brad Schuler, family friend Tim Phoenix, as well as 17 other team members participated in the Pan Mass Challenge this summer.

Going by the team name Team Heck of a Cause, the team successfully raised over $185,000, ranking them a Heavy Hitting Team! The PMC raised $45M in total from this year alone.

According to pmc.com , “a PMC team will be considered a Heavy Hitter team when the following criteria are met:

Heavy Hitter teams must have at least five members.
Heavy Hitter teams must raise the Heavy Hitter minimum ($7,200 average per rider) as a group. For example, a five member team must raise $36,000; a six-member team $43,200; etc..
Each Heavy Hitter team member must submit his or her own fundraising minimum by the fundraising deadline.”

Heavy Hitters are an invaluable asset to the PMC since their fundraising represents more than half of the annual gift to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Most of the cyclists rode from Sturbridge to Provincetown in the two-day race. Both Cindy and Brad did the 1-day 84 mile ride from Wellesley to Bourne. The ‘Heck of a Cause’ team will be participating in the challenge next year, and will be accepting donations as of January 1st. Make sure to subscribe to our blog after the New Year for more Pan Mass 2016 information.

To everyone involved in donating to such a great cause, thank you for your continued support.

For more information regarding the PMC and Nicole Heck, click to watch the Heck of a Cause video !

Try Our Exclusive ‘Executive Sedan Service’

Thu, 28 May 2015 12:48:00 GMT

Try Our Exclusive ‘Executive Sedan Service’

As part of our Executive Sedan Service, we offer a lineup featuring beautiful, shiny-black vehicle choices.

Our black Lincoln Town Cars have an occupancy of four (4). They come equipped with a CD Player, overhead reading lamps, a leather interior, cup holders and climate control. The Town Cars also offer WIFI upon request. These vehicles speak class and style!

Our black Cadillac Escalades also have an occupancy of four (4). They come equipped with CD and DVD Player, TV Monitor, overhead reading lamps, a leather interior, cup holders and climate control. The Escalades also have WIFI upon request, and they are Bluetooth capable. Quite the package. Talk about a smooth, spacious ride!

Remember: We’re driven by safety, so be sure to also check out our entire fleet .

Bike to Work Week and Month 2015

Wed, 13 May 2015 12:49:00 GMT

Bike to Work Week and Month 2015

May is National Bike Month, which is sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast.

National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try.

National Bike to Work Week 2015 is being held on May 11-15. Whether you bike to work or school; ride to save money or time; pump those pedals to preserve your health or the environment; or simply to explore your community, National Bike Month is an opportunity to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride.

As a major supporter of biking, TransAction Associates provides resources to help you plan an event in your area, and each year the number and diversity of Bike Month celebrations continues to grow, accelerating the momentum around bicycling nationwide.

Parking and Transportation Demand Management Reports

Tue, 12 May 2015 15:03:00 GMT

Parking and Transportation Demand Management Reports

TransAction Associates’ staff has been successfully completing Parking and Transportation Demand Management (PTDM) reports for more than twenty sites in Cambridge, MA, as well as for other cities and towns.

Using precise methodology and planning procedures for creating and completing these critical PTDM Reports, TransAction uses the same steps as when completing the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Reports for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other states.

What is unique about the the PTDM report requirements for the City of Cambridge is that TransAction Associates also conducts average daily driveway counts. This valuable data is carefully compiled and included in the report.

Feasibility Study: Philadelphia Navy Yard

TransAction Associates developed a feasibility study for the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The Navy Yard were reviewing the possible implementation of a new transit service. TransAction developed the route, the schedules and a detailed RFP. The service was launched, and it was and is today a huge success.

Feasibility Study: Philadelphia Navy Yard

Wed, 29 Apr 2015 16:49:00 GMT

Feasibility Study: Philadelphia Navy Yard

TransAction Associates Has a New Facebook Site

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 12:52:00 GMT

TransAction Associates Has a New Facebook Site

Take a look. Tell us what you think! Click on TransAction Associates, Inc. Facebook .

TransAction Associates Celebrates 25 Years in Business!

Thu, 16 Apr 2015 12:57:00 GMT

TransAction Associates Celebrates 25 Years in Business!

On May 2, 2015, …

National RTAP Technical Assistance Conference – Date Set

Fri, 03 Apr 2015 13:04:00 GMT

National RTAP Technical Assistance Conference – Date Set

In October 2015, the National Transit Assistance Program is presenting the National RTAP Technical Assistance Conference:

Reaching New Heights in Rural & Tribal Transit

TransAction Associates will be providing valuable sessions and workshops on rural and tribal transit operations and planning, federal compliance, intercity bus, RTAP products and services, and much more.

When: Tuesday – Friday, October 27-30, 2015
Where: Westin Denver Downtown, Denver, CO
Who: Rural and tribal transit managers, other agency staff, state RTAP and 5311 managers, other transit professionals

For more information on this event, visit: webbuilder.nationalrtap.org/conference2015

You can also contact National RTAP at 888-589-6821 and info@nationalrtap.org.

TransAction Associates’ Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) responds to the need for drivers, dispatchers, managers, and other transit professionals to have specialized skills and knowledge to serve their customers in rural and tribal areas. Our goals include promoting the safe and effective delivery of public transportation services in rural areas and facilitating more efficient use of public transportation resources.

To learn more about National RTAP, click here .

Newsletter: CACT March 2015

Fri, 03 Apr 2015 13:01:00 GMT

Newsletter: CACT March 2015

Check out the most recent edition of the Connecticut Association for Community Transportation (CACT) newsletter.

It features a special CACT Member Hightlight piece on Michele Brooks, Senior Associate at TransAction Associates and CTRTAP Program Manager. CTRTAP is the Connecticut Rural Transit Assistance Program.

Click for the CACT March 2015 Newsletter .

TC Shuttles Provide the Best Solution For a Local TMA

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 13:06:00 GMT

TC Shuttles Provide the Best Solution For a Local TMA

When a Transportation Management Association (TMA) decided to investigate alternative transportation options, they also decided that wanted to partner with a bus company that could seamlessly transition from their current vendor of 20+ years. The decision to switch vendors was with the following goals in mind:

Analyze existing needs
Work collaboratively to ensure that the services offered achieve the desired results
Implement the best service feasible

TC Shuttles offered the very best solution. With our strong emphasis on driver training, safety and loss reduction, and outstanding management performance, we made this transition seamless. The TMA worked closely with our operators and were determined to work collaboratively with them so as to ensure that our services were optimized to achieve the desired results. We built a strong, trusting relationship with this client.

Our unique shuttle service advocates for a greener community and better transportation solutions. We offer a series of shuttles that connect major employers to existing public transit. Our shuttle services help commuters get to and from their destinations more efficiently, and reduces roadway congestion. By improving the experience of everyone traveling in the area, we are able to enhance the overall appeal of our region.

The service rolled out with six brand new 33 passenger buses. Based on our positive performance, two years later a ninth vehicle was added.

transactionassoc

Recap: Touch a Truck Event at Burlington Mall

For Bikers, Spring is their Season

Get Ready to Ride: Bike Month is Here!

Two-Wheeled Commutes: Building a Bike-Friendly Workplace

Here are five things employers can offer to help encourage employees to bike to work:

1. A secure place to leave a bike.

2. Showers and changing facilities.

3. Bike repair capabilities.

4. Bikeshare access.

5. A bike community at work.

Driving Change: 5 Strategies to Help Your Employees Transform Their Commute

Here are 5 proven commuting strategies that can transform the journey between home and work from a stress-inducing slog into something more productive --and maybe even calming.

Combat Climate Change with Carpooling

Take Transit

Try a Vanpool

Get Health Benefits with Active Commuting

Lend Support

Dedicating resources to improving employee commutes can yield positive results for your company.

Check out our Commuter Services page for an overview of on-site commuter programs and how they can be customized to fit in at your company.

﻿

Winter Car Maintenance and Safety Tips with Luis

1. What to pack in your car to be prepared

2. Clearing snow and ice off your vehicle

3. Winter tire maintenance

4. What to do before turning off your vehicle

5. Winter safe driving tips

6. Gaining traction when you're stuck in the snow

If you want to learn more about these topics, check out our 2020 webinar on preparing your car for the snow, where we go into full detail on winter car maintenance and safety tips!

Spotlight On - Transportation Management for Events

2023 Car-Free Day Was a Huge Success!

Establishing a Shuttle Network

Commuters Put Their Best Foot Forward During the Summer Walking Challenge

Developing an Action Plan for Corporate Sustainability Goals

Discover how TransAction 's Commuter Programs have helped corporations promote sustainability :

Where To This Summer? Popular Destinations for Shuttle Trips

Commuters Pedaled Their Way Through Another Successful Bike Month!

10 Ways to Enhance Your Employee Benefit Package

How Commuters Went Green for Earth Month

What's Happening in Bike Month

2022: A good year for women-owned businesses

February Five Commuter Challenge is a Big Success!

February Five Challenge is a Big Success!

Celebrating Women's History Month

Join us this March in celebrating all that women have achieved!

Boston - We Can Do Better

The Boston Globe Names TransAction Associates, Inc. a Top Place to Work for 2022

TransAction Associates, Inc. was ranked at number 22 in the medium-sized employer category.

Preferential Carpool Parking, It’s not an Incentive—Unless It’s an Incentive

The 5 P’s of a Preferred Parking Program

Patrolling

Process

Placement

Partners

Programs

Getting Started is Easy

The experts at TransAction Associates have been managing and operating commuter programs for organizations throughout New England and beyond.

The Boston Globe Names TransAction Associates, Inc. a Top Place to Work for 2020

TransAction Associates, Inc. was ranked at number 21 in the medium-sized employer category.

Celebrate Rideshare Month in October

What is rideshare month?

Why rideshare?

How does ridesharing help businesses?

Celebrating National Rideshare Month

TransAction Associates provides comprehensive commuter services programs for Rideshare Month and beyond that deliver low-cost, high-impact results.

5 Timely Tips for Telecommuting

1. Assess your technology and available resources.

2. Carve out a comfortable workspace.

3. Establish a consistent workday routine.

4. Just “to do” it.

5. Are you IN or OUT?

Meet the New Vice President

MEET THE NEW VICE PRESIDENT

Congratulations Michele Brooks

Enjoy A Fall Biking Commute

Change your Clock, Change your Commute

Help Your Morning, The Night Before

Here is a checklist to help you get started:

A Few More Tips:

Additional Resource for Bikers: