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Smith's Opt-Out Program pays eligible employees
to travel to and from work without driving a single-occupant (SOV) vehicle, an initiative
to help ease the parking demand on campus. The Opt-Out Program is a voluntary program
to encourage faculty and staff to find alternate ways to commute, such as car-pooling,
ridesharing, bicycling, walking and public transit.
In response to recommendations from the Smith
community, and through the good work of the Parking Advisory Committee, the college
will offer a two-tiered payment system.
Under the terms of the program, employees receive an
Opt-Out payment of $150 per year for choosing to leave their car at home and live
within a one mile radius from the center of campus. For those living outside of the
one-mile radius, a payment of $400 will be given. Participants will also be provided
with free passes that will allow 18 days of campus parking each year for those days
when a car is needed.
Who is eligible to join the Opt-Out Program?
Smith College faculty and staff who own a car.
How does the program work?
By joining the Opt-Out Program, you are agreeing to not bring your vehicle to Smith
or surrounding streets between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (you may
park on campus at any other time). Smith will pay you $150 or $400 for full participation
in the program. Buying a decal is not required. Members of the Smith community who
live within the one mile radius of campus and are in the Opt-Out Program may park
their vehicles in their driveways or directly in front of their houses. Parking at
parking meters is allowed. Parking anywhere else will be considered a violation of
the Opt-Out Program. All rules apply to second- and and third-shift employees as
well.
When can I join the program?
There are two periods for signing up: First semester, July 1 through September 15
or second semester, December 15 through February 1. Note: Participation for only
half the year will result in a $75/$200 payment.
What do I need to do to join the program?
You will need to register your vehicle in person at the Public Safety Office. Opt-Out
Registration forms are available below and in the office. Registration hours are
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
When and how do I get my payment of $150/$400?
Once a faculty or staff member joins the Opt-Out Program, the payment will
be processed by the Controller’s Office and will be included in the next available
pay period after each sign-up period ends. You will be paid in two installments of
$75/$200. The net amount will appear on the top part of your pay stub.
What if I need to bring my car to Smith?
Each member of the Opt-Out Program will receive twelve (12) One-Day Parking Passes
that are not transferable. If you use all 12 passes and need more, you can come
to Public Safety to receive six (6) additional passes. You may use these passes
as needed throughout the current academic year.
What if I need an emergency ride home?
Smith participates in the Massachusetts Riders Program. Anyone participating in the
Opt-Out Program is eligible to use this option. For more information on MassRIDES
visit their Web
site.
What if I park my car on the streets near Smith?
Smith will check the streets around the campus and the campus proper to determine
if there are Opt-Out Program cars parked illegally.
Reimbursement schedule is as follows:
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July |
$62.50/200 |
January |
$62.50/200 |
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August |
$52.50/166.67 |
February |
$52.50/166.67 |
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September |
$42.50/133.34 |
March |
$42.50/133.34 |
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October |
$32.50/100.01 |
April |
$32.50/100.01 |
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November |
$22.50/66.68 |
May |
$22.50/66.68 |
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December |
$12.50/33.35 |
June |
$12.50/33.35 |
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What are some of the options that I can use
to be considered a commuter in order to participate in the Opt-Out Program?
What if I am a member of a carpool?
Carpool members are eligible to participate in the Opt-Out Program. The carpool group
should decide how it will distribute the money to members within the group. The
owner of the vehicle to be driven to Smith is not eligible for the Opt-Out Program;
however, each employee riding with him or her would be eligible for $400 and would
not have to buy a decal. For example, if three employees wished to participate,
one would buy a carpool decal for $10 and the other two would get $400 each as
members of the Opt-Out Program -- with a net savings of $940, which can be divided
among the three carpooling employees. Carpooling will save fuel, wear and tear,
and be part of Smith’s sustainability initiative.
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