Sunnyvale Named One of Bay Area's  “Best Workplaces for Commuters”

Sunnyvale, CA (01/23/03) – The City of Sunnyvale is among five organizations being honored this month for making the first-ever list of “The Bay Area’s Best Workplaces for Commuters.”  The list spotlights Bay Area employers committed to improving quality of life for harried commuters, while also reducing traffic and air pollution.  The list is sponsored by a coalition of Bay Area business, transportation, human resource and environmental organizations, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Along with the City, Sunnyvale companies Yahoo! Inc., Juniper Networks, Lockheed Martin, and Hyperion Solutions were recognized by the EPA.  

“We are very proud of this recognition,” said Dieckmann Wolfe, Traffic Planner with the City’s Department of Public Works.  “It is a tribute to the City’s dedication to providing its employees with viable transportation alternatives.”

To qualify for inclusion on the list, organizations must provide:

A central point of contact for information, who actively informs employees of commuter benefits available.

Access to a regional or employer-provided Guaranteed/Emergency Ride Home program.

At least one primary commuter benefit, which can include a monthly transit/vanpool pass subsidy, cash in lieu of free parking, or a significant telecommuting program.

At least three supporting commuter benefits, which can include active membership in a Transportation Management Association (TMA), carpool/vanpool incentives, lockers/showers for bikers or walkers, incentives for living near work, or onsite amenities such as day care or dry cleaning. 

These criteria also ensure that employers on the list meet the National Standard of Excellence as established by the EPA’s Commuter Choice Leadership Initiative, which recognizes organizations providing outstanding commuter benefits to their employees.

Organizations that offer employees choices about how they get to work report improved employee recruiting, job satisfaction, and retention.  They can also save on taxes (since they pay no federal income taxes or payroll taxes on these benefits), and enhance their corporate image and community relations.  A recent study showed that 8 of 10 employees would use commuter benefits if they were offered in their workplace.

For more information regarding The Bay Area’s Best Workplaces for Commuters or the Commuter Choice Leadership Initiative, call (408) 936-2433.