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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.
Under the terms of the program, employees
receive an Opt-Out payment of $250 per year for choosing to leave their car
at home. Participants will also be provided free passes that will allow 18 days of
campus parking each year for those days when a car is needed close by.
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 $250 for
full participation in the program. Buying a decal is not required. Members of the
Smith community who live within the half-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 both the 2nd and 3rd 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 $125 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.
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 |
$125 |
January |
$125 |
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August |
$105 |
February |
$105 |
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September |
$85 |
March |
$85 |
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October |
$65 |
April |
$65 |
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November |
$45 |
May |
$45 |
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December |
$25 |
June |
$25 |
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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 $250 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 $250 each as members of the Opt-Out Program -- with a net savings of
$640, which can be divided among the three carpooling employees. Carpooling will
save fuel, wear and tear, and be part of Smith’s
sustainability initiative.
When and how do I get my payment of $250?
Once a faculty/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
$125. The net amount will appear on the top part of your pay stub. |
