What is Best Workplaces for Commuters?

Best Workplaces for Commuters is a public-private partnership that recognizes employers for their efforts to reduce emissions, traffic congestion, pollution, and stress on our roads. These employers offer incentives to their employees to try alternative commute options to get to work.

Who are the Triangle Best Workplaces for Commuters?

Click here to see the current list of BWCs in the Triangle Region.

How does an organization benefit from participating?

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 Commuters" 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.

Why are the USEPA and DOT promoting commuter benefits?

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 a Best Workplaces for Commuters employer, 15 million cars would be removed from the road daily, resulting in 7.5 million tons less CO₂ emissions.

Is Best Workplaces for Commuters a voluntary program?

Yes. Employers elect to participate and offer alternative transportation options on a voluntary basis.

How does an employer qualify for Best Workplaces for Commuters?

To qualify, an employer must offer one primary benefit, such as:

• employer-paid, tax-free transit or vanpool passes
• telecommuting
• parking cash-out (enabling workers to trade free parking for its cash equivalent

Employers must also offer three secondary benefits (employers with 20 or less employees need only offer one secondary benefit), such as:

• shuttles to/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
• compressed work schedules

Emergency Ride Home (ERH) - Employers must offer free Emergency Ride Home benefits to all participants, providing a ride home in the event of an emergency or special circumstances. Triangle Transit Authority offers this service free of charge to all Triangle BWC Employers.

Click here for a list of qualifying benefits.

How does an employer apply for BWC designation?

When you go to www.bwc.gov and click on the "Do We Qualify" button, you will also have an opportunity to apply for designation. You can view the application form and submit your qualifications at that time.

In what other parts of the country has the Best Workplaces for Commuters Program been implemented?

Successful programs have been started in Colorado, Houston, Metro NY-NJ-CT, New England, the San Francisco Bay Area, Tucson and the Greater Washington and Sacramento Regions. View a list of participating employers by going to www.bwc.gov.

What are the goals of the Triangle Best Workplaces for Commuters?

The Triangle Best Workplaces for Commuters Program will work to increase the number of employer-based transportation programs aimed at reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMTs) and NOx emissions. By increasing employers' awareness of the Best Workplaces for Commuters Program, we can assist employers in becoming a designated Best Workplaces for Commuters; support regional transportation demand management efforts; and identify innovative solutions to commuter transportation and mobility needs.

What other organizations are involved with the Triangle Best Workplaces for Commuters Program?

The Triangle Best Workplaces for Commuters Program includes Coalition Partners -- business and government organizations in the region working to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and make commuting less stressful and costly for employers and employees.

Coalition Partners support the Triangle Best Workplaces for Commuters Program by:

• communicating with their members about the program
• distributing BWC information at conferences and meetings
• including BWC information in presentations and speeches
• having a program representative speak at one of their organization's meetings
• adding information about the program to their website
• asking the organization's executive level to sign a letter encouraging their own members to pursue BWC designation
• publishing newsletter articles about BWC
• allowing their organization's name and logo to be used on BWC program materials
• having their governing bodies pass resolutions supporting the program

Click here to see a complete list of Triangle BWC Coalition Partners.

When is the list of Triangle Best Workplaces for Commuters published?

The list of Triangle Best Workplaces for Commuters is published annually in the fall, during the Campaign Celebration Event.

Where can I get more information?

Visit www.bwc.gov or www.trianglebwc.org

OR

Call your local BWC representative, Ms. Tobin Freid, at 919.558.9400.