(ATLANTA, GA — 01.12.12)

A total of 130 metro Atlanta employers and property managers are being recognized for the results they achieved with employee commute programs that reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The Clean Air Campaign and the region’s transportation management associations (TMA) announce their inaugural list of Platinum Partners, acknowledging employers and property managers whose employees and tenants use alternatives to driving alone for at least 20 percent of their commute trips, which helps reduce air pollution.

“By providing opportunities for employees to carpool, vanpool, ride transit, telework, bicycle or walk, these organizations demonstrate the positive impact they can have on traffic and the air we breathe,” said Clean Air Campaign Executive Director Tedra Cheatham. “Commute alternatives can yield cost savings for workplaces and improve employee morale, in addition to helping the environment. Taking advantage of these programs is a smart move, and the Partners on this list are in good company,” Cheatham added.

The Clean Air Campaign and affiliated local TMAs work closely with more than 1,600 employers across Georgia to create customized commute options programs for their employees. Services available at no cost include: on-site program development, worksite assessment, program support through transportation fairs, marketing tools, training seminars and networking programs. 

To qualify as a Platinum Partner, at least 20 percent of all employee or tenant trips to an employer’s worksite must involve alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle trips and companies must actively educate employees about commute options. By choosing to do something other than drive alone to and from work, employees can receive financial benefits through Commuter Rewards, a statewide program that rewards clean commuters with cash, gift cards and gas cards. They may also qualify for employer-sponsored incentives and tax benefits.

"With help from The Clean Air Campaign and Midtown Transportation Solutions (MTS), Georgia Tech reached a milestone in 2011 with over 41 percent of its commuting employees using a clean commute option every day,” said Aaron Fowler, Georgia Tech Campus Transportation Planner. “Whether commuting by carpool, transit, bicycle or foot, the rewards programs and marketing outreach provided by The Clean Air Campaign and MTS have helped bring that extra motivation needed in order to change the culture of our commute."

The Clean Air Campaign’s employer services program is part of a multi-tiered effort funded by the Georgia Department of Transportation to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality across the state of Georgia through commuter incentives, no-idling programs and public education. Based on the elements of the employers’ program and their commitment to providing transportation choices for employees, Partners have an opportunity to receive recognition at the annual PACE Awards, honoring the best commute options programs. Employers looking for more information on how to implement or grow their program can visit cleanaircampaign.org.