The document provides information about the Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC) program, which recognizes workplaces that meet the National Standard of Excellence for commuter benefits. To be recognized, workplaces must offer an Emergency Ride Home program and actively promote commuter benefits to employees. Membership in BWC provides national recognition and benefits like networking opportunities and assistance resources. The annual membership fee is $230 per workplace, with discounts for multiple locations. The Center for Urban Transportation Research manages BWC to promote public transportation and recognize employer leadership in commuter benefits.

1. www.bestworkplaces.orgRecognizing Excellence in Commuter BenefitsBest Workplaces for CommutersHigh level recognition and support for workplaces that meet the National Standard of Excellence

2. National Standard of ExcellenceWorkplaces must meet the following National Standard of Excellence

3. National Standard of ExcellenceOther RequirementsAn Emergency Ride Home (ERH)/Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program must be available to your employees at that workplace (can be offered by a third-party like a transit agency or rideshare program). Please check the box below to confirm you offer an ERH/GRH program.Maintain a central point of contact in charge of commuter benefits. Keep information on commuter benefits in a centralized location. (e.g., Intranet, lunchroom, etc.)

4. National Standard of ExcellenceOther RequirementsActively promote your commuter benefits to employees. Look for opportunities to use the BWC name and logo to promote your designation (e.g., website, press releases, job ads, newsletter, annual reports, etc.) Commit to working towards the GOAL of 14 percent or more of our employees NOT driving to work alone within 18 months of our designation as a BWC.

5. BWC Membership Provides High Level Membership BenefitsNational RecognitionRecognition Plaque Peer-to-Peer NetworkingWeb Conferences/Virtual Training (at least 4 per year)Eligible to participate in the annual “Race to Excellence”One-on-One Assistance Access to over 500 FAQs, case studies, and briefs

6. Cost of MembershipIf our application is approved, the annual membership due of $230 per workplace Multiple workplace discounts may apply ALL funds are used to directly support only the Best Workplaces for Commuters program

7. A sampling of BWC Members

8. Why is NCTR managing Best Workplaces for Commuters?Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) chose NCTR to lead the program after EPA funding was discontinued in October 2007BWC goals fit with NCTR’s themeFills a gap - national recognition program valued by the public transportation industry Provides access to new sources of data (employers) to help inform research to improve performanceThe theme of NCTR is to make public transportation and alternative forms of transportation, including managed lanes, safe, effective, efficient, desirable, and secure.

9. Visit www.bestworkplaces.org

10. Recognizing Excellence in Commuter BenefitsContact InformationJulie Bond, Project ManagerBest Workplaces for CommutersCenter for Urban Transportation ResearchUniversity of South Florida Email: bond@cutr.usf.eduDirect Line: 813.974.9799