110 likes | 220 Views
Best Workplaces for Commuters. Lucy Edmondson US Environmental Protection Agency New England Office (617) 918-1004. Best Workplaces for Commuters.
E N D
Best Workplaces for Commuters Lucy Edmondson US Environmental Protection Agency New England Office (617) 918-1004
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: www.bwc.gov • Ensure compliance with Massachusetts Rideshare Regulation (if applicable) • Review benefits annually • Report program progress and success every two years
For More Information • www.bwc.gov • Hotline: 888-856-3131 • EPA staff: • Lucy Edmondson, (617) 918-1004 edmondson.lucy@epa.gov • Patty Klavon, (734) 214-4476 klavon.patty@epa.gov