March 1, 2005
1. I understand four (4) principles have been included in the revised directive. Can you tell me what they are and what they mean?
"Trust, Flexibility, Respect and Transparency". These four (4) principles are defined and developed in the Directive and are the cornerstone that shall guide the parties in establishing fair and reasonable commuting assistance practices across the public service. (Reference: Principles)
2. I understand that some worksites qualify for Commuting assistance. When is Commuting Assistance Authorized?
The Deputy Head will authorize Commuting Assistance only when:
(a) adequate public transportation is not available between a suitable residential community and the worksite and
(b) no suitable residential community is located within a direct road distance of 16 kilometres from the worksite.
(Reference: Part I – Implementation, sub-section 1.1 – Criteria)
3. What is a Suitable Residential Community?
A Suitable Residential Community is a location where, taking the vacancy rate into account, excluding vacant lots, the majority of employees could reside, adequate utilities and educational and commercial facilities are available, and road connections to the worksite are adequate. (Reference: Definitions section)
4. How is a suitable residential community determined?
A community is deemed to be a suitable residential community upon the mutual consent of the deputy head and the designated representatives of the affected bargaining agent, or if the majority of the employees reside within 16 kilometres of the worksite. An "affected bargaining agent" is a bargaining agent who has members in a worksite. (Reference: Part 1 – Implementation, paragraph 1.1.2 (a) and (b))
5. Are there different types of Commuting Assistance?
Yes, Commuting assistance may be provided by the use of Crown-owned vehicles, charter services, taxi pools or subsidizing regular commercial transportation fares and the use of privately owned vehicles. The Directive requires that the most practical and economical type of Commuting Assistance be chosen. (Reference: Part I – Implementation, sub-section – Types of Assistance)
6. My department provides a transportation service to my worksite. Am I required to pay a contribution towards the cost of this service?
Yes, when a vehicle service is provided between the designated suitable residential community and the worksite, the employee contribution for each one-way trip is $1.75 (if no local public transportation system exists) or an amount equal to the regular fare of the local public transportation system, whichever is less. (Reference: Section 1.4 – Employer Provided, paragraph 1.4.3)
7. I reside in a designated Suitable Residential Community in Alberta, which is 50 kilometres (return) from my workplace and I have been authorized to use my private motor vehicle to travel to my worksite. Which kilometric rate applies and how will my reimbursement be calculated?
The Lower Kilometric rate that is prescribed in Appendix "A" of the directive will be used.
The amount of commuting assistance to which you are entitled for each working day you report to work will be calculated as follows:
Multiply 0.12 cents X (50 km – 32 km) = $2.16
(Reference: Section 1.5 - PMV, paragraphs 1.5.1,1.5.2)
8. I reside in an area in New Brunswick which is not designated as a Suitable Residential Community 65 kilometres (return) from my worksite and I have been authorized to use my private motor vehicle to travel to my worksite. The farthest designated Suitable Residential Community is 80 kilometres (return) from my worksite. Which kilometric rate applies and how will my reimbursement be calculated?
The Lower Kilometric rate that is prescribed in appendix "A" of the directive will be used.
The amount of commuting assistance to which you are entitled for each working day you report to work will be the lesser of:
Multiply 0.13 cents X (65 km – 32 km) = $4.29
and
Multiply 0.13 cents X (80 km – 32 km) = $6.24
(Reference: Section 1.5 - PMV, paragraphs 1.5.1,1.5.2(b))