By Dana Prifti, Media Relations Writing Intern

For the third straight year, UNH has been awarded the distinction of being one of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Best Workplaces for Commuters.” UNH is one of 65 universities that met the criteria to earn the right to be called one of the best workplaces for commuters and one of only seven employers in the state of New Hampshire.

UNH earned this distinction based on the array of commuting options offered to faculty, staff and students. For commuters who don’t have a private car, there are transportation options like free transit to and around campus on the Wildcat and Campus Connector systems, carpool lots, ride matching services and a program promoting bicycles on campus.

In addition to increasing ridership on the Wildcat Transit, Campus Connector, and train and bus services that run out of the Durham Rail Station, having these options has reduced the flow of traffic from private cars. The options also address the problem of limited or expensive parking, improve employee recruiting and retention, and minimize the environmental impacts associated with drive-alone commuting.

Steve Pesci, special projects director for Campus Planning, is proud that UNH has earned this distinction three years in a row. “It shows that we’re committed to this issue,” he said. “In terms of transportation options, we have more for those people who have transportation needs that aren’t met by having a private car.”

UNH provides transportation choices which are cleaner, such as buses that run on compressed natural gas (and soon, biodiesel); carpool parking passes; bike programs; and free transit, which wouldn’t be possible without financial assistance from the Student Transportation Fee students pay each year.

Pesci realizes that some who commute by private car may complain solely about the lack of convenient parking on campus but our community has additional equally important needs and considerations. “Our goal is to provide access to as many people as possible,” he said. “It’s about the people, not just the cars.”

Pesci said a distinction like this will allow for further education of the UNH community on the benefits of cleaner transit. “It helps bring our Climate Education Initiatives more into focus,” he said. He stressed that this honor for UNH is by no means the last stop. “This doesn’t mean we’re at our peak,” he said. “There are things we can be doing better but we’re getting there, things are getting better and better.”

The EPA’s recognition of UNH as one of the “Best Workplaces for Commuters," Pesci said is “another piece of the puzzle that distinguishes us as a great place to go to school and work.”