Coalition Announces 2nd Annual List Of New England's Best Workplaces for Commuters; More Than 110 Employers Recognized for Offering Outstanding Commuter Benefits

BOSTON--Aug. 1, 20042, 2004--New England's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) Coalition today announced the second annual list of New England's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM). The list spotlights New England employers offering superior commuter benefits to employees, thereby reducing traffic and air pollution while improving quality of life for harried commuters.

The coalition comprises New England transportation and environmental organizations, and is spearheaded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The current list includes 30 new employers from around New England, bringing the list total to 113 employers, representing almost 170,000 employees, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Delta Airlines, EMC Corporation, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Intel. The complete list and more information about the program is available at www.bwc.gov.

The coalition also recognizes The Upper Valley New Hampshire/Vermont Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) District for providing commuter benefits meeting EPA's National Standard of Excellence to all commuters in Enfield, Canaan, Hanover, and Lebanon, New Hampshire, as well as to commuters in Norwich and Hartford, Vermont. This district is the first in New England to earn the Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) District designation.

"Through transit subsidies, biking incentives and other offerings, these companies are spurring thousands of New England workers to leave their cars at home in favor of alternative commuting modes," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA's New England Office. "And that is leading to twin benefits of improved air quality and reduced traffic congestion." Varney noted that employees with commuter benefits are eight times more likely to use transit than those without them.

"The employers on New England's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) list have recognized the importance of offering an array of commuter benefits to their employees," said David Straus, president of the Association for Commuter Transportation's Patriot Chapter.

"These employers should be seen as leaders in their communities, and the commuter programs they offer benefit not only their employees through monetary savings and reduced commuting stress, but to us all by decreasing New England's congestion and air pollution."

Motor vehicles, including cars and trucks, contribute more than half of New England's nitrogen oxide emissions, a key ingredient in the formation of ozone smog. Cars and trucks also emit particulate matter, air toxics, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Exposures to elevated ozone levels can pose serious health risks for the public, especially for sensitive populations such as children and adults with respiratory problems. So far this summer, a remarkably cool and wet one, New England has experienced 11 days when ozone levels exceeded health based standards.

To qualify as one of New England's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM), organizations must provide:

-- At least one primary commuter benefit such as a monthly transit/vanpool pass subsidy or a significant telecommuting program.

-- At least three supporting commuter benefits, including carpool/vanpool incentives, lockers/showers for bikers or walkers, incentives to live near work, or onsite amenities such as day care or dry cleaning.

-- A central point of contact for commuter benefits information.

-- Access to a regional, TMA, or employer-provided Guaranteed/Emergency Ride Home program.

"EMC is proud to offer our employees commuter benefits to help them get to work stress-free, while doing our part to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality," said Denis Olsen, Commuting Benefits Coordinator at EMC Corporation in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. "Being on New England's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) list is great recognition for our efforts to contribute to the health of our employees and our neighborhoods."

About Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM)

Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) is a free and voluntary program that recognizes employers nationwide for offering a comprehensive package of commuter benefits. Participating organizations must meet a National Standard of Excellence as defined by program criteria. The Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) improve employee job satisfaction and save money from reduced payroll taxes. Employees enjoy reduced stress and delays caused by driving alone to work and save money by using employer-provided commuter benefits. For more information, visit www.bwc.gov.

About New England's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) Coalition

New England's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) Coalition, led by EPA, consists of the Alliance for Climate Action 10% Challenge, Association for Commuter Transportation Patriot Chapter, GO MAINE Commuter Program, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, MassRIDES, Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, Rideworks, The Rideshare Company, and Upper Valley Rideshare. The coalition works to reduce stressful and costly traffic congestion, improve air quality, and cut global warming emissions.