Bengaluru Companies Offers Incentives For Mass Transit, Carpooling To Ease Traffic Woes

Bengaluru: In response to Bengaluru's ongoing traffic congestion issues, companies in the city are implementing measures to promote mass transit and carpooling among employees. This initiative aims to alleviate pressure on the city's gridlocked roads and encourage sustainable transportation solutions.

Companies such as NetApp, Mashreq Bank, TCS, and Infosys, located in prominent areas like RMZ Ecoworld, Prestige Shantiniketan, and Embassy Tech Village, have initiated employee benefit programmes focused on reducing traffic congestion in Bengaluru's tech hubs.

One option involves offering transportation benefits as part of employee compensation packages. This includes reimbursements for end-to-end shuttle services and metro passes, encouraging employees to utilise alternative commuting options.

As per an ET report, Jayaram S, VP of Global Real Estate at Mashreq Bank, highlighted the company's support for mass commuting, offering subsidised or fully covered transportation passes for employees using metro, company-sponsored shuttles, or carpooling arrangements.

Carpooling has emerged as a popular solution, with corporations facilitating arrangements and offering incentives such as preferential parking spots and financial rewards for employees who carpool.

Guruprakash Sastry, AVP & Regional Head of Infrastructure at Infosys, emphasised the company's focus on sustainability by promoting mass transport and cleaner commuting options like electric vehicles and carpooling.

At NetApp, employees are provided with various commuting services, including nodal, shuttle, and airport options. Krishna Bettan, Director of Workplace Experience at NetApp India, highlighted the encouragement of mass transit and carpooling initiatives among employees.

Meanwhile, companies are discouraging single-occupancy vehicles by implementing parking fees, aiming to make mass transportation or carpooling more attractive options.

Sameer Saxena, Director Real Estate Services (India) at Marsh and Mclennan, emphasised the benefits of promoting alternative transportation options, including reduced commute-related stress and expenses, as well as increased employee morale and productivity.

Bengaluru, often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India, hosts numerous tech companies, leading to significant workforce growth and traffic congestion challenges. Major corridors like Whitefield, Outer Ring Road, Electronic City, and North Bangalore experience heavy traffic, impacting commute times and air quality.