EPA AND COALITION ANNOUNCE FIRST METRO NY-NJ-CT BEST WORKPLACES FOR COMMUTERS^SM LIST

63 area firms providing innovative commuter benefits improve traffic and air quality and qualify for national recognition

NEW YORK, NY, May 25, 2004 - New York area commuters suffer the longest commute in the nation, and a regional coalition of leading transportation and business organizations is working in partnership with area companies to do something about it. Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM Coalition announced the first annual list of Metro NY-NJ-CT's Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM, which names 63 local companies that provide outstanding commuter benefits to more than 100,000 employees in the region.

Companies on the Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM list are being praised for offering employees a variety of commuter options, such as employer-provided transit passes, vanpool subsidies, bike facilities, telework programs and on-site day care. Studies show that using commuting alternatives decreases stress levels and saves commuters time and money.

"Commuters in the NY-NJ-CT metro area spend almost 80 minutes every day-or nearly a full week a year-getting to and from work," said Jane M. Kenny, EPA Regional Administrator. "Millions of people every day are sitting in traffic, increasing air pollution, wasting gasoline and increasing their own stress. The organizations we're recognizing today have made an extraordinary effort to reverse this trend, and to help their employees find a better, faster way to get to work."

A recent study showed that nearly 50 percent of workers describe their commutes as unsatisfying or stressful and that more than one-third of all workers would be willing to take a 10 percent pay cut or more for a shorter commute.

"In 2002, more people drove alone than took mass transit to work in the Metro NY-NJ-CT region," said Gerry Bogacz, Planning Director, NYMTC. "More than 2.2 million commuters here drove alone to work, and 1.9 million took transit. The Metro NY-NJ-CT Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM list recognizes employers that are committed to reducing drive-alone commuting to save their employees time and money, while reducing the congestion and pollution caused by so many cars on our roads."

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.

The complete list of Metro NY-NJ-CT Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM, is attached. For additional information on Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM, visit www.bwc.gov or call the Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM Information Request Line at (888) 856-3131.

About Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM

The Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM list recognizes employers that are leaders in offering superior commuter benefits, such as subsidized transit passes, vanpool subsidies, or telework programs, to their employees. Like the list of FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For, employers are recognized for their excellence and leadership. It's a win-win for everyone: employers earn prestige from being recognized as one of the best; employees enjoy more options in balancing their personal and work life; and communities benefit from reduced traffic congestion and cleaner air.

About NY-NJ-CT's Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM Coalition

NY-NJ-CT's Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM Coalition is comprised of leading government and business organizations in the region, working to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and make commuting less stressful and costly. Members include the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC), Metropolitan Mobility Network, USEPA, NYC Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Business & Industry Association, North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce, Rockland Business Association, Westchester County Chamber of Commerce, Inc., Human Resources Association of New York, Long Island Association, The Business Council of Southwestern Connecticut (SACIA) and Westchester County Association.

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