Best Workplaces for Commuters Lucy Edmondson US Environmental Protection Agency New England Office (617)

Best Workplaces for Commuters EPA partnership with US DOT to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion by increasing transit use, ridesharing, telecommuting, bicycling, and other alternative commute choices Employers sign a voluntary agreement to provide outstanding commuter benefits to their employees EPA provides public recognition

Maximum 8-Hour Ozone Concentrations During the 2002 Season Very Unhealthy Unhealthy Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Moderate Good

Commuting in Massachusetts Traffic congestion in the greater Boston area costs more than 1.4 billion dollars each year in lost productivity and wasted fuel Over the past twenty years, the extra time a commuter needs for rush hour travel has tripled Cars and trucks contribute more than half of New England’s nitrogen oxide emissions, a key ingredient in the formation of ozone smog High ozone levels pose serious health risks for the public, especially children, the elderly and people with respiratory ailments

Best Workplaces for Commuters in Massachusetts As of August 2004, 113 New England employers, and almost 170,000 people New England Colleges and Universities include:  Dartmouth College  Harvard University  Harvard Medical School  Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science  Massachusetts Institute of Technology  Tufts NEMC  University of New Hampshire  University of Vermont  Wentworth Institute of Technology  Yale University

Get on the List! Offer an outstanding commuter benefits package Provide one of the following:  Transit subsidy, vouchers, or passes ($30/month min)  Parking / cash out ($30/month min)  Telecommuting (6% of trips reduced min)  Something else (must be approved by federal team) Provide a guaranteed ride home program Centralize commuter benefit information

Supporting Benefits Employers must also provide at least three supporting benefits, such as:  Bike parking, showers, lockers  Commuting awards program  Compressed work schedules  Telecommuting  On-site amenities

Federal Team Support Public Recognition  Media Exposure Program Implementation  AMA course  Commuter benefits briefs Tools and Resources  Web calculator tool  Network of TDM and benefits professionals

The Formalities Sign up online: Ensure compliance with Massachusetts Rideshare Regulation (if applicable) Review benefits annually Report program progress and success every two years

For More Information Hotline: EPA staff:  Lucy Edmondson, (617)  Patty Klavon, (734)