Florida is top state for number of employers providing commuter benefits
The east-central region of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), also known as District Five, was among 104 worksites in the state of Florida recently recognized by the National Center for Transit Research as leaders for commuter benefits. The center released its 2019 list of Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC) earlier this year showing Florida to lead the nation with 104 worksites earning the BWC designation statewide and Central Florida leading the state.
In the Central Florida Region, FDOT District Five was recognized as an employer that promotes the use of alternative work sites for staff, as well as a robust telework and compressed work week program that reduces employee commute trips by more than ten percent.
Employers earn the BWC accolade by offering a primary benefit that reduces the overall number of commute trips made by their employees. Additionally, each worksite must offer multiple secondary benefits to ensure employee engagement. Funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, commuter assistance programs, such as the region’s “reThink Your Commute” program, partner with employers to provide some of those secondary benefits, including ride matching, emergency ride home programs and marketing services.
The 41 Best Workplaces for Commuters in Central Florida represent a diverse group of market sectors in the City of Orlando; and Brevard, Seminole, and Volusia counties ranging from hospitality, engineering, technology, and healthcare to government and non-profit organizations. Their investments include transit subsidies, compressed work week, telecommute policies, and funding last-mile van service from SunRail to their worksite.
“Being designated as one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters is more than just a title; it means an employer is standing behind its commitment to provide employees with access to progressive commuter programs, like discounted transit passes, bicycle-friendly amenities, and rideshare solutions,” said Julie Bond, Program Manager for Best Workplaces for Commuters.
Central Florida companies that are interested in launching or expanding a commuter benefits program are encouraged to contact reThink Your Commute.
“FDOT is more than just building roads,” said District Five Passenger Operations Manager Brenda Young, P.E. “The reThink Your Commute program is a transportation demand management strategy that District Five is proud to offer. This is a win-win because both private and public businesses are benefiting by taking advantage of this resource while reducing traffic congestion.”
For more information, commuters and employers can call 866-610-RIDE (7433) or visit reThinkYourCommute.com.
