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EPA Launches Commuter Choice Web Site

The U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation launched a new Web site this week in support of its the Commuter Choice Leadership Initiative, a partnership to reduce air pollution and global warming associated with vehicle use. Read More

(Updated on July 24, 2024)

The U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation launched a new Web site this week in support of the Commuter Choice Leadership Initiative, a partnership to reduce air pollution and global warming associated with vehicle use.

“We’re hoping to keep members of the program up-to-date on how employers can contribute to reducing global warming, increasing energy security, and improving the work-life of their employees,” said Cathy Milbourn, media director of the program.

The Commuter Choice program was launched in May 2001 and is designed to assist employers in establishing commuter options, such as reduced cost for transportation; telecommuting programs; incentives for walking, biking, or carpooling; and opportunities to trade employer-paid parking spaces for cash or other incentives.

The new Web site offers several tools to assist in the development of commuter choice programs, including a “Business Benefits Calculator” to help employers estimate the financial, environmental, traffic, parking, and other benefits of joining the program; and a series of case studies highlighting successful initiatives. The site also offers a list of over 200 employers that have committed to meeting the National Standard of Excellence for employer-provided commuter benefits, qualifying them as Commuter Choice Employers.

“People are using the Internet so much now for information,” said Milbourn, “We’re hoping this will really help spread the word about our program.”

The Commuter Choice initiative aims to reduce the traffic and air pollution of 15 million cars. According to the program, a Commuter Choice employer with 1,000 employees can take 175 cars or more off the road, annually — saving nearly 44,000 gallons of gasoline and reducing global warming emissions by 420 metric tons. The employer would reduce local air pollution by 2 metric tons of volatile organic compounds and 15 metric tons of carbon monoxide per year, and lower its annual parking expenses by more than $70,000.

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