NJDOT celebrates New Jersey’s 2008 NJ Smart Workplaces

(Trenton)- The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today recognized 256 employers as 2007-2008 New Jersey Smart Workplaces. Smart Workplaces praises employers that provide commuter benefits that help employees address limited or expensive parking, reduce traffic congestion, improve employee recruiting and retention, and minimize the environmental impacts associated with drive-alone commuting.

“During this time of record fuel prices and increasing concern about global warming, it is critical to provide transportation options which are both economical and sustainable, such as public transit, carpooling, vanpooling, bicycling, and walking,” said NJDOT Commissioner Kris Kolluri. “These companies have made these choices available for thousands of employees in New Jersey.”

NJDOT and the state's eight Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) developed the NJ Smart Workplaces program to support and encourage companies to provide transportation programs that help their employees get to work. The federally-funded program has grown exponentially since it’s inception in 2006, reflecting an increased commitment from New Jersey-based companies to help ease their employees’ daily commute.

Companies can qualify at the Bronze, Silver, Gold and the new Platinum level depending on the programs that they offer. Activities range from providing transit schedules at the work site, allowing employees to deduct their commuting costs from their paychecks on a pre-tax basis, providing telecommuting and flextime programs, hosting vanpool and carpool formation meetings and providing on site amenities to reduce employees' travel requirements.

For more information about the NJ Smart Workplaces program, please visit http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/rideshare/tma.shtm or visit a local TMA website.

Here is the list of recognized companies.