Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] was selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as one of the "Best Workplaces for Commuters." Boeing was ranked No. 12 of the Fortune 500 companies and No. 1 in the Aerospace Industry.

Each year, the EPA recognizes companies "for their environmental commitment to reducing air pollution and their role in easing traffic congestion caused by so many vehicles on our nation's roads." This particular award recognizes those employers who are "leaders in offering superior commuter benefits, such as incentives for transit or vanpool passes, telework programs, etc. to their employees."

The EPA reports that "employees of these award-winning companies are saving 30 million gallons of gasoline and $80 million in fuel costs each year, while also reducing air pollution."

Nearly 90 companies were on the list of "Best Workplaces for Commuters." According to the EPA, employees of these companies are 20 percent more likely to telecommute or commute via carpool, vanpool, public transportation, walking or biking than other nearby employers.

"Boeing is very pleased to be recognized by the EPA with this prestigious award," said Mary Armstrong, president of Boeing Shared Services Group. "The company is certainly trying to do its part to eliminate congestion, reduce gas consumption and provide our employees with the opportunity, the incentives and the tools to consider commuting alternatives. But it is the Boeing employees who are participating in these programs who are the real award winners. It is through their efforts that Boeing was able to receive this award."

Boeing offers its employees a number of different programs to encourage commuting alternatives. They include a telecommuting/virtual office program; a financial incentive to encourage employees to take public transportation; and a car- and vanpool program called "Commuter Connection, which allows employees to input information into a program participant database to search for a car- or vanpool that matches their needs. Boeing also offers close-by parking for its car- and vanpool employees and has an emergency ride program if a participant is unable to get a ride home.

Approximately 25 percent of Boeing employees in locations throughout the U.S. participate in one or more of these programs. In the Puget Sound area of Washington State alone, approximately 35 percent are participants in these programs.