Columbia University Joins List of Best Workplaces for Commuters
Columbia joins the list of Best Workplaces for CommutersSM– an honor achieved through its robust range of environmentally friendly commute options that support sustainability initiatives and offer resources to benefit employees. Commuter benefits help reduce traffic congestion, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and help Columbia to attract and recruit top talent.
Columbia is among a select group of workplaces in the United States that have been named a Best Workplace for CommutersSM (BWC), which recognizes organizations who provide comprehensive progressive commuter benefits to their employees. Columbia offers employees a wide range of commuter benefits, including:
- University shuttle bus network, free to employees
- On-demand Evening Shuttle powered by Via
- Carpool matching tools and incentives
- University operated park and ride program
- Guaranteed Ride Home program for carpoolers
- Citi Bike (bike share) abundantly available near campuses
- Tax incentives for using public transit
“We are excited to include Columbia as a top employer in the nation for offering remarkable commuter benefits to their employees,” said Julie Bond, Program Manager, Best Workplaces for CommutersSM. “Their leadership not only demonstrates a commitment to supporting their employees, it signals to others their dedication to the environment and to improving the quality of life for our communities as a whole.”
“It’s an honor to be named a Best Workplace for CommutersSM,” said Lauren Ragone, Associate Director, Benefits and Compensations Operations at Columbia. “We view our commuter benefit programs as an investment in our employees.”
In addition to benefiting employees, Columbia commits to reducing drive-alone commuters and growing car-free connections to campus in its sustainability plan: Plan 2030. The University’s transportation demand management (TDM) program aims to allow for continued work and study at a growing campus, with an eye toward reducing cars from commuting, reducing congestion, and improving air quality in the New York City area. The University continually works with local, state, and city officials to improve bikeability and provide alternatives to driving for students and employees.
“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and parking congestion from commute travel is a critical component of Columbia’s sustainability goals,” said Daniel Allalemdjian, Director for Sustainability and Transportation at Columbia.
About Sustainable Transportation at Columbia
Columbia University is located in a dense urban environment with plenty of near-to-campus housing and an extensive transit system. Because of this, Columbia’s environmental impact from transportation is minimal. Less than 2% of students and 17% of employees choose a drive-alone commute. Even still, the University has sought out ways to lead by example and implement measures that reduce environmental impact from its operations. Columbia provides all-electric intercampus shuttles, creates incentives that reduce vehicular traffic to upper Manhattan from affiliates commuting to campus, and is pursuing the electrification of campus vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Learn more.
About Best Workplaces for Commuters
Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC) is the national authority on recognizing and assisting workplaces that provide exceptional commuter benefits to employees. More than a recognition program, BWC provides the necessary assistance to create and sustain employer-provided commuter benefit programs, and offers recognition and tailored support for Employers, Colleges/Universities, and Sites. The program is managed by the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida with support from the Florida Department of Transportation. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit bestworkplaces.org/. #BWC2024