Travel Information Bulletin
January - February 2004
 

Get On Board Now For BWC !
* Deadline Approaches for Best Workplaces for Commuters^SM  NYMTC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are encouraging all employers within the metropolitan area to log on to www.bwc.gov for information on how to achieve designation as a Best Workplace for Commuters (BWC). The area’s premiere list will be published in May 2004.  Employers must sign up by March 31, 2004 in order to be considered for designation in the metropolitan area including neighboring Connecticut and New Jersey communities. The information on-line provides a quick and easy synopsis of what it takes to become a BWC employer, and also includes links to area Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) who will help employers to qualify by offering both technical and programmatic support.

Area employers, including municipalities, hospitals, schools, and other major employers, may already be providing services that will help them to qualify for this prestigious designation. The designation recognizes employers who meet EPA's National Standard of Excellence for employer-provided commuter benefits. Small and mid-sized employers may qualify alone or within the framework of a recognized BWC District. BWC provides tangible tax and employee relations and public relations benefits to employers while expanding people's travel choices to include options that save them time and money while at the same time reducing emissions and improving air quality in the region.

BWC is a vanguard initiative of NYMTC's Regional Commuter Choice program, which is focused on improving commuter options for those living and working in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  Log on and find out how to sign up today!
Contact: Karen Rosenberger at (718) 472-3215 or krosenberger@dot.state.ny.us

There is strong regional support for the BWC program, including Westchester County Government through its SMART COMMUTE Program.  Westchester County businesses can receive help from the SMART COMMUTE Program in registering and qualifying for this designation.  The SMART COMMUTE staff will be contacting a number of businesses in the county during the months of February and March to assist them in registering for the program.  Businesses may log on to www.bwc.gov, contact

krosenberger@dot.state.ny.us, or tvo1@westchestergov.com