All News Releases By Date

EPA Recognizes Fortune 500 Companies for Providing Commuting Options; Intel Heads the List

Release Date: 09/30/2004
Contact Information:

(#04153) NEW YORK, NY -- Intel tops the list of 69 FORTUNE 500 companies named as Best Workplaces for Commuters by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Best Workplaces for Commuters program recognizes employers that are leaders in offering superior commuting options, such as subsidized transit/vanpool passes, telework programs or shuttles to their employees. The companies are being named because they have taken steps to reduce air pollution and ease traffic congestion caused by too many vehicles on our nation's roads. "These companies are trailblazers, offering outstanding commuter benefits at their work sites that help their employees and the environment," said Jane M. Kenny, EPA's Regional Administrator. "Far too many people still drive alone to work. These companies are trying to change that." In addition, EPA is showcasing 20 employers on the Fortune 500 list of Best Workplaces for Commuters. These are the companies that have the highest percentage of their employees working at sites that provide commuter benefits. Intel Corporation, which has a site in Parsippany, NJ, ranked number one because it offers a high caliber of commuter benefits to 92 percent of the company's workforce. IBM in New York State ranks number 16 on the Top 20 FORTUNE 500 list and Wyeth, in New Jersey, ranks number 17. Companies accepted into the Best Workplaces for Commuters Program have met a standard of excellence by extending outstanding commuter benefits to over 400,000 employees across the country. This program has resulted in a 186,000 metric ton reduction of carbon dioxide per year, which is the equivalent of taking 41,000 cars off the road annually. In addition, other companies in New York and New Jersey making the Best Workplace for Commuters list are Colgate-Palmolive, New York Life Insurance, PepsiCo, Verizon, Washington Mutual and WellChoice in New York, and Pfizer in New Jersey. To qualify as one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters, employers must provide: at least one primary commuter benefit, such as a monthly transit/vanpool pass subsidy or a significant telecommuting program; at least three supporting commuter benefits, such as car pool/vanpool incentives, lockers/showers for bikers or walkers, compressed/flexible work schedules, or onsite daycare; a central point of contact, who actively informs employees of available commuter benefits; and access to a regional or employer-provided Emergency/Guaranteed Ride Home Program.