September 9, 2005 — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have designated the University of Utah as one of the “Best Workplaces for Commuters.” In bestowing the honor, the federal agencies acknowledged that the U meets the “national standard of excellence” to help reduce traffic and air pollution.

A certificate confirming the honor was recently presented to the U’s Department of Commuter Services. “We are proud that the EPA and DOT have designated that the U is one of the best workplaces for commuters,” said Norm Chambers, assistant vice president for auxiliary services. “This recognizes the University’s dedication to providing environmentally responsible commuting options for its employees.”

The honor places the University of Utah in the top one percent of employers in the United States for providing outstanding commuter benefits to its employees and for helping to reduce traffic and air pollution. Commuter Services Director Alma Allred says this honor is the direct result of the University’s effort to encourage students, faculty, and staff to ride TRAX light rail trains and the bus. “Our partnership with the Utah Transportation Authority (UTA) has resulted in 25 percent of our students, faculty, and staff commuting to campus via mass transit. That impressive figure combined with our efficient on-campus shuttle bus system helped put the U in an elite group of employers that is committed to making commuting easier and better for the environment.”