P&T is recognized as a Best University for Commuters by Best Workplaces for Commuters

August 15, 2021

UC Berkeley is recognized nationally as a Best University for Commuters by Best Workplaces for Commuters

University of California, Berkeley has been named one of the 2021 Best Universities for Commuters for offering employees and students exceptional commuter benefits.

UC Berkeley is among a select group of universities in the United States that have achieved the Best Workplaces for Commuters National Standard of Excellence by providing an array of commuter benefits, resulting in at least 14 percent of their commuting population not driving alone to campus within a 12-month period. UC Berkeley offers employees and students several commuter benefits options, including:

  • Transit pass subsidy of $10 a month for employees; continued support for the Student EasyPass Program with AC Transit.
  • Bear Transit Shuttles, including the launch of the Reverse Perimeter Line
  • Carpool matching program for the Campus Community, Berkeley Moves!
  • Emergency Ride Home program with Alameda County

“UC Berkeley is one of the top universities in the nation offering high-level commuter benefits to their employees and students,” said Julie Bond, Program Manager, Best Workplaces for Commuters. UC Berkeley made the list because they offer transportation choices that include supporting telework, transit subsidies, carpool, bicycle facilities, active transportation programs, and access to Emergency Ride Home programs. UC Berkeley gives commuters the support they need to get to and from campus and be at their best before, during, and after their workday or school day.”

“We are extremely proud about our progressive commuter benefits program that saves employees and students time, money, and stress,” said Dave Sorrell, TDM-CP, P&T’s Alternative & Mobility Manager and Transportation Demand Management Administrator. “Our benefits give us a competitive edge in attracting students and staff while helping reduce traffic congestion and negative environmental impact. Especially as we return to campus this summer and fall, it is important that we continue to advocate on behalf of our commuters and the community at large. It is important that we continue to offer our strong programs as well as connect our ”

The Best Workplaces for Commuters program offers designated universities access to a range of support services to assess and promote non-driving options for those commuting to campus, including organizational assessment and implementation toolkits, web-based tools and webinars, staff training, and information exchange.

“The universities on this list understand the positive impact commuter benefits have on their employees and students and recognize the value they bring to the environment,” said Bond. “Excellent commuter benefit programs reward these universities not just with a national designation, but buoys workplace productivity, student loyalty, and helps make these universities more attractive to work and study at when compared to competitors without robust commuter programs.”

About UC Berkeley’s Parking & Transportation Department (http://pt.berkeley.edu and http://cal.rideamigos.com)

The UC Berkeley Parking and Transportation Department provide a full range of parking and transportation services, serving a diverse community of more than 35,000 students and 15,000 faculty and staff in the City of Berkeley, at the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. Our Vision is In support of the University's core academic and public service mission, Parking and Transportation are dedicated to delivering transportation systems that complement long-term growth and development, and enhance and protect the physical attributes of the campus and surrounding area. Our Mission is to improve the quality of life for the UC Berkeley community by providing safe, convenient, and well-maintained parking and transportation options while promoting and facilitating alternative modes of transportation.

About Best Workplaces for Commuters (http://www.bestworkplaces.org/)

Best Workplaces for Commuters is the national authority on recognizing and assisting workplaces that provide exceptional commuter benefits to employees. More than a recognition program, the Best Workplaces for Commuters program provides support needed to create and sustain an employer-provided commuter benefit program, including online assessment tools, advisory services, case studies, tool-kits, web-based tools, webinars and training. Best Workplaces for Commuters represents over 450 workplaces with Best Workplaces for Commuters designation representing over 2,000,000 employees. The Best Workplaces for Commuters 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 (FDOT).

About Center for Urban Transportation Research (https://www.cutr.usf.edu/)

The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida, established in 1988, is an internationally recognized resource for policymakers, transportation professionals and the public. CUTR provides high quality, objective expertise in the form of insightful research, in-depth policy analysis, comprehensive training and education and effective technical assistance that translates directly into benefits for CUTR’s project sponsors.  CUTR’s faculty of more than 40 full-time researchers and 30 students, combines academic knowledge and extensive “real world” experience in developing innovative, implementable solutions for all modes of transportation.  The multidisciplinary research faculty includes experts in economics, planning, engineering, public policy and geography.  CUTR logs $21 million per year in expenditures through contracts and grants to support its research, education, training and technical assistance missions. CUTR is home to the National Institute of Congestion Reduction.  In 2020, CUTR was competitively selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation as the national university transportation center focused on congestion.