FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 13, 2002

Contact:  Brian Hutchings, BACS, 813-282-8200

            Sandi Moody, BACS, 800-998-RIDE

             Vicki Parsons, APR, 813-689-2616

 

 

 

Local Organizations Recognized as Environmental, Commuter Choice Leaders

         

TAMPA, Fla. – Fifteen local organizations were recognized as Clean Air Partners or Commuter Choice Leaders at Bay Area Commuter Services’ 12th annual meeting on Thursday.

The Clean Air Partners Award is a new program created by the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission and the Pinellas County Department of Environmental Management, in conjunction with BACS and the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida.

“These awards recognize organizations that have made significant strides in providing their employees with commuter assistance programs and/or utilizing clean fuel initiatives in their operation,” said Sandi Moody, Interim Executive Director for BACS.  “Helping to reduce the number of employees driving alone on our region’s road and highways during rush hour is a cost-effective way to reduce air pollution and congestion.”

Those winners are:

Gold:

·        Bay Area Commuter Services

·        University Mall

Silver

·        Florida Department of Transportation

·        University of South Florida

Bronze

  • AEGON
  • Busch Gardens
  • Don CeSar Beach Resort & Spa
  • James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital
  • Tampa General Hospital
  • USAA – Bronze Award 
  • Wellcare HMO, Inc.

 

Green Fleet

  • University of South Florida Parking and Transportation Services

 

Additionally, three local organizations have been selected to participate in the prestigious Commuter Choice Leadership Initiative Awards sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation.

Local participants are the Center for Urban Transport Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida, Hillsborough County and MacDill Air Force Base. The leadership program establishes a new national standard of excellence for employers who encourage their employees to commute, helping to reduce air pollution, traffic congestion and fuel consumption.

“Created as a public/private partnership, the Commuter Choice Leadership Initiative can dramatically improve the way people get to and from work, which improves their overall quality of life,” said Ms. Moody.  “Much credit also goes to our colleagues at HARTline and PSTA who have been tremendous partners helping to work with employers to establish and promote commuter assistance programs.”

The awards were presented at BACS’ annual meeting held Nov. 14 at the Westshore Marriott in Tampa, FL. The program also included a special tribute to Leonard F. Tria, Jr., a founder of BACS who has served as chairman of the regional transportation organization for the past 12 years. Tria stepped down as chairman this year, but will remain on the BACS board of directors.  “Mr. Tria has guided us through more than 10 years of changes, challenges, victories and growth,” said Moody “His leadership has left an indelible mark on this organization, its staff and the community we serve.”

Funded through the Florida Department of Transportation, Bay Area Commuter Services is a not-for-profit agency working to enhance the region’s economic prosperity by helping to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. BACS serves both commuters and employers with resources for commute options, as well as providing free ride-matching services for carpools and vanpools. For more information on BACS, the Commuter Choice Leaders and the Clean Air Partners Program, call 1-800-988-RIDE or visit www.tampabayrideshare.org.

 

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