RTD and Qwest Encourage Commuters to Ride Green with New Discount

Qwest and RTD Encourage Commuters to Ride Green with New Discount

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Qwest Communications (NYSE: Q – News) have partnered to create a new monthly commuter discount program. Qwest is the first Colorado company to offer the FlexPass program, designed specifically for large companies that make pre-tax spending account options available to their employees. RTD’s FlexPass is a new product designed to offer employers an annual pass program that can be customized to meet the needs of the company and their employees.

KEY FACTS

* Qwest Denver-area employees who commute via RTD will receive a 10 percent discount when they purchase a monthly pass and sign up for the Qwest (pre-tax) Commuter Spending Account (CSA). The discounted monthly pass can be used either for bus or light rail transit.
* There are approximately 7,400 Denver metro-area Qwest employees who could take advantage of the FlexPass program and CSA savings.
* Qwest recently conducted a company-wide employee commuter survey that identified employees’ desire to save money and reduce their impact on the environment — more than 8,400 employees participated. Results from the survey were instrumental in helping Qwest and RTD reach this milestone.
* RTD estimates that U.S. greenhouse gases from transportation represent 33 percent of total U.S. emissions and that the average Denver work commuter saves about $9,078 a year by taking public transit.
* Qwest also offers commuter programs in Portland, Seattle and Phoenix.

SUPPORTING QUOTES

Chuck Ward, Qwest Colorado President: “We are proud and excited to offer Qwest employees in the Denver area a commuter program which allows them to save twice – through pre-tax savings and a discount – while also supporting their individual sustainability efforts.”

Cal Marsella, RTD General Manager/CEO: “RTD and Qwest designed a valuable program model that many Colorado companies can take advantage of to benefit their employees. We can now offer even more ways for commuters to realize the benefits of public transportation.”

Source: Qwest Communications

Technorati Tags: commuter, Qwest, ride green, RTD, Transportation