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Nine Colorado companies recognized on EPA list of Best Workplaces for Commuters from the Fortune 500 companies

Release Date: 9/29/2004
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Denver -- EPA is announcing its first list of Best Workplaces for Commuters from the FORTUNE 500 companies. Nine companies in Colorado are being recognized for their environmental commitment to reducing air pollution and easing traffic congestion caused by so many vehicles on our nation’s roads.

“Americans spend an average of 46 hours each year stuck in traffic,” said Mike Leavitt, EPA’s Administrator. “In addition to added pollution and frustration, this gridlock produces more than $63 billion in congestion costs per year. Companies that offer commuter benefits help curb these costs and make a significant contribution to the health and welfare of their employees.”

The companies being recognized today have met the National Standard of Excellence, extending outstanding commuter benefits to over 400,000 employees across the country. In addition, the EPA is showcasing its “Top 20 List.” The list highlights the twenty Best Workplaces for Commuters from the FORTUNE 500 companies having the highest percentages of employees eligible for these commuter benefits in their U.S. worksites.

The Colorado companies on the list of Best Workplaces for Commuters from the Fortune 500 companies in EPA Region 8 are:

Sun Microsystems, Broomfield
Safeco, Golden
International Business Machines, Boulder
Berkshire Hathaway (Johns Manville), Denver
Nordstrom, Broomfield
TIAA-CREF, Denver
Wells Fargo, Aspen
Wells Fargo, Broomfield
Wells Fargo, Denver

Some Best Workplaces for Commuters from the Fortune 500 companies are receiving special recognition on the Top 20 list for achieving the highest percentages of employees eligible for superior commuter benefits. In Region 8those companies are are:

Sun Microsystems, Broomfield
Safeco, Golden
International Business Machines, Boulder

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 carpool/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.

For additional information, visit http://www.bestworkplacesforcommuters.gov/