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Pitney Bowes Recognized as One of Metro NY-NJ-CT Area's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM)
Offers Innovative Commuter Benefits to Improve Traffic and
Air Quality in the NY-NJ-CT Metropolitan Region
STAMFORD, Conn., May 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI) announced today that it was recognized as one of Metro NY-NJ-CT Region's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM), a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognition program (USEPA), coordinated locally with a regional coalition of transportation and business organizations. The program spotlights employers that have made a commitment to providing commuter benefits packages that help reduce traffic and air pollution and improve the quality of life for commuters.
Pitney Bowes is one of 63 regional organizations, representing more than 100,000 employees. Pitney Bowes offers a range of Commuter Services including, Free Train Station Shuttle Services, Van Pool Incentive Programs, Pre Tax Commute Accounts and a Guaranteed Ride Home Program.
"NY-NJ-CT metro area commuters have the longest commute in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau," said Jane Kenny, Director, USEPA Region 2. "They are spending almost 40 minutes a day, or nearly a full week every year getting to work. We are delighted that so many of the region's companies have stepped up to make the ride to work less stressful for their commuters. These companies are helping reduce congestion and improve air quality in the region."
"Pitney Bowes recognizes that offering Commuter Programs and Services helps to enhance employee effectiveness and improve quality of life by minimizing the stress, fatigue, time and costs associated with commuting to and from work," stated Edward Houghton, Director, Workforce Effectiveness, Pitney Bowes. "Reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles, particularly during peak times can reduce repair and maintenance costs of our highways and secondary roads and result in more effective use of our tax dollars. It also helps reduce fuel consumption and improve air quality for the betterment of the community and our collective futures."
Organizations that offer employees choices about how they get to work report improved employee recruiting, job satisfaction, and retention. They can also save on taxes (since they pay no federal income taxes or payroll taxes on these benefits), and enhance their corporate image and community relations. A recent study showed that nearly 50 percent of workers describe their commutes as unsatisfying or stressful and that more than one-third of all workers would be willing to take a 10 percent pay cut or more for a shorter commute.
"In 2002, more people drove alone than took mass transit to work in the Metro NY-NJ-CT region," said Gerry Bogacz, Planning Director, NYMTC. "More than 2.2 million local commuters drove alone to work, while only 1.9 million took transit. The Metro NY-NJ-CT Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) list recognizes employers that are committed to reducing drive-alone commuting to save their employees time and money, while reducing the congestion and pollution caused by so many cars on our roads."
More information regarding NY-NJ-CT Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM), is available at www.bwc.gov or by calling the Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) Information Request Line at (888) 856-3131.
About the Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM)
The Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) list recognizes employers that are leaders in offering superior commuter benefits, such as subsidized transit passes, vanpool subsidies, or telework programs, to their employees. Like the list of FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For, employers are recognized for their excellence and leadership. It's a win-win for everyone: employers earn prestige from being recognized as one of the best; employees enjoy more options in balancing their personal and work life; and communities benefit from reduced traffic congestion and cleaner air.
About NY-NJ-CT's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) Coalition
NY-NJ-CT's Best Workplaces for Commuters(SM) Coalition is comprised of leading government and business organizations in the region, working to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and make commuting less stressful and costly. Members include the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC), Metropolitan Mobility Network, USEPA, NYC Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Business & Industry Association, North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce, Rockland Business Association, Westchester County Chamber of Commerce, Inc., Human Resources Association of New York, Long Island Association, The Business Council of Southwestern Connecticut (SACIA), Westchester County Association.
About Pitney Bowes
Pitney Bowes is the world's leading provider of integrated mail and document management systems, services and solutions. The $4.6 billion company helps organizations of all sizes reduce costs, increase effectiveness and enhance customer relationships. The company's 80-plus years of technological leadership has produced many major innovations in the mailing industry and more than 3,500 active patents with applications in a variety of markets, including printing, shipping, encryption, and financial services. With approximately 33,000 employees worldwide, Pitney Bowes serves more than 2 million businesses through direct and dealer operations. More information about Pitney Bowes can be found at www.pb.com
Contact: Christopher Tessier Manager, Public Relations 203-351-7210 Christopher.Tessier@pb.com www.pb.com
SOURCE Pitney Bowes Inc. -0- 05/27/2004 /CONTACT: Christopher Tessier, Manager, Public Relations, Pitney Bowes, Inc., +1-203-351-7210, Christopher.Tessier@pb.com/ /Web site: http://www.pb.com http://www.bwc.gov / (PBI) CO: Pitney Bowes Inc. ST: Connecticut IN: OFP CPR STW SU: AWD TC -- NYTH012 -- 4635 05/27/2004 08:45 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com