The City of Knoxville has been designated one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).  

Best Workplaces for Commuters, a voluntary partnership program designed to cut traffic congestion and traffic-related air pollution, recognizes employers that provide environmentally friendly commuter benefits to employees. Offering these commuter benefits identifies the City of Knoxville as an organization committed to reducing pollution, commuting costs, traffic congestion, and employee stress caused by single-occupant vehicle commuting.

The City offers an array of benefits that help employees pursue environmentally friendly and cost-effective commuting strategies. As part of the City’s comprehensive commuter benefits program, the City of Knoxville offers commuting options and support services such as monthly bus passes for employees, carpooling options, and a rewards program, through SmartTrips, for those who commit to a greener commute.

According to Margo Oge, EPA director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality, the effects of incentive programs like Best Workplaces for Commuters can be dramatic. “If just half of all U.S. employees were covered under these commuter benefits,” said Oge, “traffic and air pollution could be cut by the equivalent of taking 15 million cars off the road every year, saving American workers about $12 billion in fuel costs. That’s both cleaner air and real savings for families.” 

The City’s Office of Sustainability has worked with Employee Benefits to promote and increase the commuting options for city employees.  Alternative transportation programs reduce commuting costs not only for City employees, but also for all commuters by taking cars off the road and reducing traffic congestion. The production of ground-level ozone, the major component of smog, is reduced as well.

“Being awarded the Best Workplace for Commuters is not only a testament to our commitment to our employees and the environment, but also a demonstration of the teamwork necessary to accomplish a goal that benefits so many!” said Christine Fitzgerald, City of Knoxville Benefits Manager.

Best Workplaces for Commuters is a public-private partnership developed by the EPA and DOT. EPA and DOT have established a voluntary National Standard of Excellence for employer-provided commuter benefits. The program challenges employers across the country to voluntarily meet the National Standard of Excellence.

For more information about the various commuter options and benefits offered to City employees, visit https://knoxsmarttrips.org/  or http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/benefits (click on “Other Benefits”).