FAQ on New Carpool Incentives at Duke
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
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Durham, NC -- Grace Tisdale is searching for a less expensive way to commute 40 miles round-trip daily from her home near Butner to campus. With current prices for premium unleaded gasoline topping $4 a gallon, Tisdale’s commute to Duke is costing her about $35 a week, twice as much as she paid in 2005.
“I get the feeling gas prices will keep going up, so I better come up with a smarter way to get to work,” said Tisdale, an administrative assistant in Duke Medicine’s Division of Hematology.
Tisdale wants to form a carpool with Duke commuters and recently posted a note on Duke’s Trading Post: “Would someone like to carpool from Stem/Butner area to Duke?”
As prices at the pump rise, Duke faculty and staff are exploring alternative transportation options, including a new carpool incentive offered by Parking & Transportation Services, and seeking answers to questions about policies for mileage reimbursement and telecommuting.
Q: I commute to work from Apex, which was never a problem before, but now it costs $70 a week to fill my gas tank. Can I telecommute a few days a week to save money?
A: Telecommuting is one of Duke’s flexible work arrangements and is a viable option for some jobs but not all. You should discuss your need for telecommuting with your supervisor to find out if your job is one that can be performed on a limited basis from home. If it is, you and your supervisor can work together to develop the best possible telecommuting plan for your situation. For example, a detailed written proposal must be prepared and approved by the supervisor. There are a number of factors that need to be considered prior to implementing a telecommuting schedule. Click here to learn more about flexible work options.
Q: I use my personal car to drive to meetings around campus. What is the policy and procedure for reimbursement?
A: Duke will reimburse you for mileage and parking when you use your personal vehicle to travel on Duke business such as a workgroup meeting. To submit your costs for reimbursement use the “Miscellaneous Reimbursement Form.” The reimbursement rate is 50.5 cents per mile and is set by the Internal Revenue Service, not Duke. If you make frequent, regular trips throughout the week, you should also maintain a “Mileage Log” and attach it with your reimbursement form. The Mileage Log is also available online with the reimbursement form.
Q. What carpool options are available so I can save on fuel?
A: Duke is launching an enhanced carpool program for three or more participants. The enhanced program offers Duke staff, faculty and students an array of incentives such as free, convenient parking in designated spaces across campus. Staff and faculty who participate in a four-member carpool park for free and receive 24 free daily passes per year. For more information on the new incentive and other transportation alternatives, click here.
