FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SMC ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM:
Can I still turn in a paper form?
No, only employees without access to a computer will be allowed to submit a paper form. If you need the paper form it can be accessed here: SMC Alt Transpo Incentive Form.
Do I have to enter the Santa Monica College information in the profile?
YES! You must use the www.commutesm.com/smc link or enter Santa Monica College in your profile to be included in the electronic community and receive your incentive.
Does it matter which web browser I use?
The recommended web browser is Mozilla Firefox.
Is supervisor signature required?
No, instead we will be doing a monthly audit of participants selected at random.
How do I submit my form?
Starting with the July commute log, employees no longer have to formally submit the form. The online system will allow SMC to run monthly reports to process the alternative transportation incentive. This saves time, paper, and will hopefully result in a broader participation from the SMC community. June commutes should be submitted using the paper form.
While there is no formal submission process, employees will be asked to enter the number of days worked in the previous month. This information is necessary to process the incentive form and answering the question is effectively the same as “submitting” the paper form. Once you’ve entered the days worked, your name will show up in the online database.
I was not prompted to enter my total days worked at SMC?
Make sure you are using Mozilla Firefox or another updated web browser. Secondly, check to ensure that your user profile to make sure it has Santa Monica College listed in the “Where do you work” section. The user profile is located in the upper right corner of the website under your name.
How do I see my monthly commute?
Use the Open History and Reports button to view your commute in a weekly and monthly format. This is a very useful view and can be used to enter past commutes.
What if my flash player is outdated?
Try using another web browser, such as Mozilla Firefox. If that does not resolve the problem, try updating your existing web browser or install an updated version of flash (some SMC machines will allow this).
Why do I have to log in twice?
This is a bug in the system; we're working on resolving the issue and appreciate your patience.
What is SMC doing with this information?
This information is NOT being shared publicly. We are using portions of this information to process the alternative transportation incentive and inform SMC alternative transportation programs. You can view the detailed privacy agreement on the Commute SM website.
Why do I keep receiving an error message?
We’re still working out the bugs of the software. However, error messages usually occur when logging a one way commute. Try logging a round trip commute or entering information on a weekly or monthly basis (using round trips).
Why is SMC tracking employee commutes?
SMC is required by law to provide the South Coast Air Quality Management District with the College’s Average Vehicle Ridership (AVR). SMC’s target AVR is 1.5 persons per vehicle. In effort to achieve our target AVR and improve environmental performance, the College provides the alternative transportation incentive for employees regularly taking alternative transportation such as bus, bike, walking, or carpool.
Are EVs and motorcycles considered alternative transportation?
No, at this time EVs, scooters, and motorcycles are not considered alternative transportation and do not qualify for the incentive program. However, we will be reviewing the incentive structure and may include these modes in the future depending on the regional Air Quality Management District standards.
Can I receive training on the new online system?
The system is easy to use and employees are encouraged to explore the system before requesting training. However, if you are having difficulty or have additional questions please contact the Center for Environmental and Urban Studies at 310-434-3909 or ceus@smc.edu for more information.
Where can I find out more info about the Alternative Transportation Incentive Program?
This PDF explains the rules of the program: http://www.smc.edu/BusinessServices/RiskManagement/Documents/Alternative_Transportation_Incentives/ATSF_Rules_of_Eligibility.pdf You can also contact the Center for Environmental and Urban Studies at 310-434-3911 or ceus@smc.edu for more information.www.commutesm.com/smc