NJDOT celebrates New Jersey’s
2009 NJ Smart Workplaces

(Trenton) - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today recognized 353 employers as 2008-2009 New Jersey Smart Workplaces. The Smart Workplaces program applauds employers that provide commuter benefits to 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.

“It is critical for today’s employers to provide economical and sustainable transportation options such as public transit, carpooling, vanpooling, bicycling, and walking,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine. “These companies have made the extra effort to ensure that commuting options are available to thousands of employees in New Jersey.”

NJDOT developed the NJ Smart Workplaces program to support and encourage companies to provide transportation programs that help employees get to work. The federally-funded program has grown exponentially since it’s inception in 2006, reflecting an increased commitment among New Jersey-based companies to help ease 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/njsw/.