CUTR assumes role as BWC program manager

Frequently Asked Question

1. Why is CUTR agreeing to take this on?
2. When does CUTR officially assume management responsibilities?
3. Will the Best Workplaces for Commuters National Standard of Excellence be relaxed?
4. What are the objectives for BWC?
5. Will Best Workplaces for Commuters website remain the same?
6. Will CUTR continue to provide the same level of support and assistance as under EPA?
7. How will the association with EPA be characterized in the future?
8. What other groups will be helping CUTR promote BWC?
9. What activities are planned for the near term?

1: Why is CUTR agreeing to take this on?
BWC is consistent with CUTR’s theme for NCTR to enhance the performance and relevance of public transportation and alternative forms of transportation. It also is part of our university’s commitment to research and community engagement. We see BWC as an opportunity to make a difference.

2: When does CUTR officially assume management responsibilities?
October 1, 2007.  Our goal is to make this a seamless transition.

3: Will the Best Workplaces for Commuters National Standard of Excellence be relaxed?
No. CUTR is committed to maintaining the BWC National Standard of Excellence.  In the coming year, we, in collaboration with BWC communities and other partners, will revisit the past procedures and approval processes to make sure we adhere to the spirit and intent of BWC.

4: What are the objectives for BWC?
CUTR has set the following objectives and contributing objectives for the guiding the program.

• Increase the cost effectiveness of implementing employer-based TDM programs above baseline (to be determined)
• Increase number of case studies
• Identify and document best practices
• Increase professional development/training opportunities for BWC worksites
• Increase private sector support for TDM as measured by the breadth and depth of offerings used by employees
• Conduct research on the effectiveness of TDM on business
• Identify public policies likely to stimulate increase interest and use of TDM
• Provide public relations benefits to employers with successful TDM programs
• Provide recognition of BWC as employee recruitment tool for perspective employees

5: Will Best Workplaces for Commuters website remain the same?
As of October 1, the web address will change to www.bestworkplaces.org, and the EPA and USDOT logos will be removed.  In all other ways, it should look and function as before.  As the full capabilities of the customer relationship management software come on line in the next couple of months, you expect even more enhancements.

6: Will CUTR continue to provide the same level of support and assistance as under EPA?
The assumption of program management responsibilities by CUTR without additional resources means that current resource realities will require CUTR to leverage existing resources and focus on improving the self-service functions. CUTR brings aspects such as netconferences, listservs and training programs that can be used leverage existing information developed for BWC workplaces and supporters.  We will continue to rely on helping local community coordinators conduct their own campaigns but foster the exchange of ideas and materials between communities.  Finally, we will begin pursuing grants and other opportunities to increase financial support for the program. 

7: How will the association with EPA be characterized in the future?
“As of October 1, 2007, US EPA authorizes use of the Best Workplaces for Commuters logo and brand only to represent programs which meet and maintain the criteria stated in the National Standard of Excellence.”

Relating to the historical context, the following language will be used to characterize the relationship between US EPA, Best Workplaces for Commuters, and implementing organizations: “Best Workplaces for Commuters was created by the US EPA and US DOT to demonstrate that alternatives to drive-alone commuting have value to workers, employers, and the environment.  The program is now being administered by the Center for Urban Transportation Research in collaboration with communities across the country.”

Individual community programs meeting and maintaining the National Standard of Excellence may add their identification to the brand and logo for example; “ABC Metro Best Workplaces for Commuters.”  “ABC Metro” may also be incorporated into a redesign of the logo.

8: What other groups will be helping CUTR promote BWC?
American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has agreed to partner with BWC to help reach its members.  We will continue to reach out to other associations and groups who want to help.

9: What activities are planned for the near term?
The following activities are planned or already underway:

• Establish new website address (completed)
• Establish listserv for BWC members (completed)
• Enhance self-service elements of BWC by integrating BWC’s customer relationship management data with CUTR’s Help Desk system (fall 2007)
• Design and conduct BWC benchmarking survey (in draft fall 2007 – conduct in 2008)
• Initiate discussions with existing BWC Community Coordinators and workplaces about needs and direction of BWC (fall 2007)
• Kick-off 2008 Race to Excellence (fall 2007)
• Create an Advisory Council to provide feedback on the program (early 2008)
• Develop netconferencing series for BWC members (2008)
• Recruit more partners (transit agencies, TDM agencies, industry trade associations) (ongoing)
• Develop online courses/streaming media on aspects of BWC program development and management (2008)
• Seek sponsorships/partnerships (e.g., State DOTs) (2008)
• Identify self-supporting opportunities, including grants (late 2007 - early 2008)

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