Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Program
Q: What is Best Workplaces
for CommutersSM?
A: Best Workplaces for CommutersSM
is a public-private partnership that is dramatically changing the way
Americans get to and from work. By qualifying, employers can improve their
bottom line while bettering the quality of life for commuters and the
communities in which they live.
Q: How does an organization
benefit from participating?
A: Studies show employers that offer
commuter benefits improve employee recruiting and retention, increase
employee job satisfaction, and save money on parking and federal taxes.
A participating employer also earns the "Best Workplaces for CommutersSM"
designation – a mark of excellence for commuter and environmental
friendliness. Through the Best Workplaces for Commuters list, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT) provide national recognition for participating employers. In addition,
EPA and DOT provide these employers with technical assistance on implementing
commuter benefits, forums for exchanging ideas, and access to information
about emerging trends and opportunities in commuter benefits.
Q: Why are EPA and DOT
promoting commuter benefits?
A: Commuting to and from work
is a primary cause of increased traffic congestion and air quality problems
in many areas across the United States. Reducing the number of cars commuting
during rush hour can reduce traffic and improve air quality. In fact,
if half of all employees worked for Best Workplaces for Commuters, 15
million cars would be removed from the road daily.
Q: Is Best Workplaces
for Commuters a voluntary program?
A: Yes.
Employers elect to participate and can leave the program at any time.
Q: How does an employer
qualify for Best Workplaces for Commuters?
A: Because the commuting experience
varies geographically, the program offers a wide array of options to meet
the particular commuting needs of individual employers. To qualify, an
employer must offer one primary benefit, such as employer-paid tax-free
transit or vanpool passes, teleworking, or parking cash-out (enabling
workers to trade free parking for its cash equivalent). Most employers
must also offer three secondary benefits, choosing from options such as
shuttles to and from transit stations (provided directly by the employer
or contracted through a service), ridesharing or carpool matching, preferred
or reduced-cost parking for carpools and vanpools, and compressed work
schedules. Finally, Best Workplaces for Commuters offer access to an Emergency
Ride Home, which provides participants with a ride at little or no cost
if they need emergency transport home due to special circumstances.
Q: How does an employer apply?
A: EPA and DOT have made it simple to
sign up—you can apply
online!.
Q: Who's participating?
A: View a list of participating
employers.
Contact Us for more information.
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