University of Michigan Designated Best Workplace for Commuters 5/3/2004
From: William Omohundro of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 312-353-8254 CHICAGO, May 3 -- The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor has become the largest university designated one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Transportation. University of Michigan officials accepted the new designation today at the Big Ten and Midwestern Universities Parking and Traffic Conference held on the Purdue University campus in West Lafayette, Ind. The Best Workplaces for Commuters initiative was established by EPA and DOT to encourage employers to reduce emissions and traffic congestion and promote employee well-being by providing commuter benefits that prompt workers to stop traveling to their jobs alone. "Organizations like the University of Michigan show us that it is beneficial both for the environment and the financial bottom line to promote commuter options so employees have choices other than driving to work alone," said EPA Region 5 Acting Administrator Bharat Mathur. Factors contributing to the University of Michigan's recognition by the program were its subsidies for using mass transit, car and van pools as well as offering a free shuttle bus service. The commuter benefits are offered to 27,500 employees, and the shuttle service carries 39,000 students a year on 4.5 million trips. David Miller, interim director of the UM Parking and Transportation Services, called the Best Workplaces for Commuters program a win-win for everyone involved. He said the university saves on parking expenses, improves employee retention, increases recruitment potential and helps the environment. He challenged other Midwestern universities at the parking conference to join the program by offering commuter benefits. "The University of Michigan is the first and so far the only Big Ten university to make the list," Miller said. EPA said as of this spring more than 1.4 million commuters are participating in the program. More than 650 workplaces are designated Best Workplaces for Commuters. Research by EPA and DOT shows that on average 15 to 30 percent of the employees offered commuter benefits will switch from driving alone to what officials call a "less-stress" commute such as bus, train, van pool or telecommuting. EPA said if half of all U.S. employees were offered commuter benefits it would be the same as taking 15 million cars off the road and save workers about $12 billion in fuel costs. To qualify as one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters, employers must offer at least one primary benefit such as a mass transit or carpooling subsidy, a parking space "buy-out" or substantial telecommuting. They must also extend to workers at least three supporting benefits such as membership in an ozone- action network, shuttles, preferred parking for car and van pools, secure bicycle parking or incentives to live closer to work. ------ Founded in 1970, EPA is responsible for protecting the environment and human health. The Agency enforces air, water, and land laws and ensures that designated health standards are met. EPA Region 5 includes six Great Lakes states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. |