Coalition Announces Third Annual List of The Bay Area's Best Workplaces For Commuters

SAN FRANCISCO--Nov. 1, 20048, 2004--

139 organizations and 3 districts, representing more than 240,000 Bay Area employees, join EPA's growing list of Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM)

The Bay Area's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) Coalition today recognized 139 employers and 3 districts including more than 240,000 employees that qualify for EPA's third annual list of the Bay Area's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM). This list recognizes Bay Area employers committed to improving quality of life for employees, while at the same time helping to reduce traffic and air pollution. The Bay Area's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) Coalition is a group of Bay Area business, transportation, human resource, and environmental organizations, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"In the last two months, the public has learned that traffic congestion cost the Bay Area $2.8 billion in 2002; a commute time of 45 minutes or less is the top priority for home buyers; and commuters prone to heart attacks face triple the risk of having a heart attack within an hour of being in traffic," commented Robin Snyder, program manager for EPA's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM). "It's time to recognize the Bay Area's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) for providing commuter benefits that encourage employees to find alternative ways to commute to work, other than driving alone, thus helping to reduce the region's traffic congestion, improving air quality, and enhancing the quality of life for their employees."

Employers that have been designated as 2004 Bay Area's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) include Ariba, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Fehr & Peers, Genentech, Marvell Semiconductor, Inc., San Jose Job Corps, Swinerton Incorporated, and ZebraWear. For a complete list of Bay Area's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) visit www.bwc.gov.

To qualify as one of the Bay Area's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) organizations must provide:

-- At least one primary commuter benefit, which can include a monthly transit/vanpool pass subsidy, cash in lieu of free parking, or a significant telecommuting program.

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

-- A central point of contact for information, who actively informs employees of available commuter benefits.

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

"At Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group, we recognize that workdays do not start at our desk, but at our doorstep," said SVMG CEO Carl Guardino. "As employers, we must do all that we can to encourage commute alternatives to the automobile so that employees arrive refreshed, renewed, and ready to tackle their day."

"The Bay Area's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) list recognizes the employers who give back to the community by providing employees with robust commute assistance programs. Lockheed Martin is committed to offering programs that support our employees, our community, and the environment," said S.K. Gupta, vice president of operations at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company.

About Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM)

Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) is a free and voluntary program that recognizes employers nationwide that offer a comprehensive package of commuter benefits. Participating organizations must meet a National Standard of Excellence as defined by program criteria. 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 and reducing use of personal vehicles. Visit www.bwc.gov for more information.

About the Bay Area's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) Coalition

"As campaign coordinator for the Bay Area's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM), the Northern California Chapter of the Association for Commuter Transportation is pleased to join forces with a coalition of the region's leading government and business organizations to recognize employers offering outstanding commuter benefits," said Jennifer Paedon, chapter president. "Together we strive to make the Bay Area a better place to live and work by reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, cutting global warming emissions, and making commuting less stressful and costly for employers and employees."

Coalition members include Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Bay Area Council, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Northern California Chapter of the Association for Commuter Transportation, Northern California Human Resources Association, RIDES for Bay Area Commuters, Inc., Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.