California State University, Fullerton
Named One of the Best Workplaces for CommutersSM by U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
EPA’s inaugural list recognizes top university employers
for offering commuter benefits.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Cal State
Fullerton as one of the Best Workplaces for CommutersSM among colleges
and universities. For the first time ever EPA is releasing a national
list of innovative college and university employers committed to
improving air quality, saving energy, and reducing traffic congestion
while improving quality of life for employees.
The Best Workplaces for CommutersSM among colleges and universities
list recognizes employers who offer outstanding commuter benefits
for their employees. Cal State Fullerton was included on this list
for offering excellent commuter benefits such as Rail reimbursements,
bus reimbursements, bike program, walk program, carpool program,
and carpool matching. Cal State Fullerton also provides the “University
Pass” or U-Pass program to the entire campus community. The
U-Pass program was designed to offer free bus service in collaboration
with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) utilizing
the campus TitanCard (campus ID card). The program provides a convenient
alternative transportation choice to the campus community, which
has a student population of over 35,000 and a faculty and staff
population of over 6,000.
"At Cal State Fullerton, we understand that workdays do not
start at our desk, but at our home doorstep," said Lupe Briseno,
Commuter Programs Manager. "As employers, we must do all that
we can to encourage options to driving alone so that employees arrive
refreshed, renewed, and ready to tackle their day."
Cal State Fullerton is one of 72 campuses designated as Best Workplaces
for Commuters. These academic institutions distinguish themselves
from the competition and demonstrate their environmental leadership
by offering outstanding commuter benefits meeting EPA’s National
Standard of Excellence. For a complete list of Best Workplaces for
Commuters among colleges and universities, visit www.bwc.gov.
"We are pleased to recognize the efforts made by universities
to provide commuter benefits that encourage employees to find alternative
ways to commute to work, other than driving alone," said Margo
Oge, EPA’s Director of the Office of Air Quality and Transportation "By giving their employees these options Universities like
Cal State Fullerton are helping to improve air quality, save energy
and reduce traffic congestion."
All together the campuses on this list reduce the greenhouse gas,
CO2 by over 300,000 metric tons a year, a valuable contribution
toward addressing climate change. In addition, they are saving their
employees $86 million in gasoline costs. Cal State Fullerton University
is reducing CO2 by approximately 2,275 metric tons per year and
saving local employees in Orange County $756,648 dollars in gasoline
costs.
To qualify as one of the University Best Workplaces for Commuters,
organizations must provide:
- At least one primary commuter benefit, which can include a monthly
transit/vanpool pass subsidy, cash in lieu of free parking, or
a significant telework program.
- At least three supporting commuter benefits, which can include
carpool/vanpool incentives, lockers/showers for bikers or walkers,
incentives for living near work, or onsite amenities such as day
care or dry cleaning.
- A central point of contact for information, who actively informs
employees of available commuter benefits.
- Access to a regional or employer-provided Emergency/Guaranteed
Ride Home program.
About Best Workplaces for Commuters
Best Workplaces for Commuters is a free and voluntary program that
recognizes employers nationwide that offer a comprehensive package
of commuter benefits. Participating organizations must meet a National
Standard of Excellence as defined by program criteria. Best Workplaces
for Commuters improve employee job satisfaction and save money from
reduced payroll taxes. Employees enjoy reduced stress and delays
caused by driving alone to work and save money by using employer-provided
commuter benefits and reducing use of personal vehicles. Visit <www.bwc.gov>
for more information.