How to get certified
Step 1: Select Your Benefits
Determine how many of the BWC requirements your workplace meets and explore the options to meet the designation requirements. Get in touch if you require additional support and we can provide a free consultation.
Step 2: Get Certified
Work with our team to implement commuting programs that meet the needs of your employees. Apply for the designation between June and November each year.
Step 3: Get Recognized
Every January, the list of workplaces is released on the Best Workplaces website and your workplace will be recognized across North America.
Step 1: Select Your Benefits
To qualify for the BWC designation, work with pointA to determine which of the following transportation benefits are best suited for your workplace. For additional support, connect with Joseph Elkhoury Sfeir, Sales Development Manager for BWC.
Best Workplace
A designation created for small, medium, or large scale employers.
*Primary (Choose 1)
☐ Transit pass subsidy ($30+/month/employee)
☐ Carpool/Vanpool cost subsidy ($30+/month/employee)
☐ Cash instead of parking ($30+/month/employee)
☐ Bicycle commuting program and/or cycling cost subsidy ($20+/month/employee)
☐ Remote work program (Reduces employee commute trips by at least 6%)
☐ Compressed workweek (Reduces employee commute trips by at least 6%)
☐ Employee shuttle
☐ Equivalent commuter benefit
*Supporting (Choose 3)
☐ Transportation Management Association (TMA) membership
☐ Employee transportation coordinator
☐ Carpool partner matching
☐ Preferred carpool parking and/or access to park and ride lots
☐ Electric vehicle (EV) charging
☐ Flextime
☐ Connections to transit
☐ Sustainable transportation awareness program (e.g., public transit, e-bikes, EVs)
☐ Secure bicycle parking (eg. bike lockers, indoor bike room)
☐ On-site showers and lockers
☐ Carshare, bikeshare, or e-scooters on-site
☐ Bikeshare or e-scooter subsidy
☐ Walking/cycling initiatives
☐ Onsite amenities
☐ All subsidies listed in the primary column (<$30/employee/month)
☐ Remote work and/or compressed workweek programs (< 6% reduction in employee commute trips)
☐ Equivalent commuter benefit
Required (All)
✓ Guaranteed/Emergency Ride Home Program
✓ Application approved and annual membership dues paid
Best Site
A designation for buildings that hold multiple organizations within a commercial and retail space (e.g., shopping malls, office buildings).
Facilities and Improvements (Choose 2)
☐ Commuter kiosk or information display
☐ Bus stop improvements (e.g., shelters or benches)
☐ Onsite business centre
☐ Secure bicycle parking (eg. bike lockers, racks, or cages)
☐ Shower facilities and lockers for active commuters in at least one building
☐ Site location within walking distance of transit service
☐ Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
☐ Onsite micromobility (bikes, pedal assist e-bikes, scooters, e-scooters)
☐ Enhanced access to transit (e.g., wider sidewalks, bike path, lighting)
Parking Management (Choose 2)
☐ Comprehensive wayfinding
☐ Paid parking for commuters and/or visitors
☐ Reserved parking spaces for carpool/vanpool
☐ New tenants may opt out from purchasing or renting parking spaces
☐ Comprehensive parking management plan
☐ Shared parking arrangements with neighbouring businesses
☐ Reserved parking spaces for electric vehicles
Promotions, Services, and Policies (Choose 5)
☐ Free or reduced-price transit passes
☐ Onsite purchase of public transit passes
☐ Commuter information and benefits on website, company intranet, email or newsletter
☐ Conduct travel behaviour surveys of employees at site
☐ Display real-time traveler information including transit
☐ Promote commuter benefits and/or green commuting at onsite transportation or benefit fairs
☐ Offer onsite amenities (e.g., concierge, food service, daycare, banking, and dry cleaning)
☐ Transportation Management Association (TMA) membership
☐ Organize healthy initiatives for tenants such as biking and walking programs
☐ First mile/last mile options from transit such as shuttles or bike share
☐ Regular evaluation of commuter benefits program
Required (All)
✓ Application approved and annual membership dues paid
✓ Property transportation coordinator
Best Universities and Colleges
A designation created for post-secondary institutions.
*Primary (Choose 1)
☐ Transit pass subsidy ($30+/month/employee or student)
☐ Vanpool cost subsidy ($30+/month/employee or student)
☐ Carpool cost subsidy ($30+/month/employee)
☐ Cash instead of parking ($30+/month/employee)
☐ Bicycle commuting program and/or cycling cost subsidy ($20+/month/employee)
☐ Student carpool or bicycle commuting program
☐ Remote work program (Reduces employee commute trips by at least 6%)
☐ Compressed workweek (Reduces employee commute trips by at least 6%)
☐ Employee shuttle program
☐ Equivalent commuter benefit
*Supporting (Choose 3)
☐ Transportation Management Association (TMA) membership
☐ Employee transportation coordinator
☐ Carpool partner matching
☐ Preferred carpool parking and/or access to park and ride lots
☐ Electric vehicle (EV) charging
☐ Flextime
☐ Connections to transit
☐ Sustainable transportation awareness program (e.g., public transit, e-bikes, EVs)
☐ Secure bicycle parking (eg. bike lockers, indoor bike room)
☐ On-site showers and lockers
☐ Carshare, bikeshare, or e-scooters on-site
☐ Bikeshare or e-scooter subsidy
☐ Walking/cycling initiatives
☐ Onsite amenities
☐ All subsidies listed in the primary column (< $30/month/employee)
☐ Remote work and/or compressed workweek programs (< 6% reduction in employee commute trips)
☐ Equivalent commuter benefit
Required (All)
✓ Guaranteed/Emergency Ride Home Program
✓ Application approved and annual membership dues paid
*Prices vary, contact us to learn more
Step 2: Get Certified
After working with pointA to select your benefits, get started with the certification process.
Complete Assessment
Determine which of the requirements are most cost-effective and useful for your organization. This also sets the baseline for measuring BWC's impact at your organization.
Implement
Programs & Services
Based on the assessment's results, pointA will work with your organization to implement the offerings that meet the designation requirements.
Submit Your Application
pointA will work with you to complete the BWC membership application during the qualifying period (June 1 to November 30).
Step 3: Get Recognized
BWC Members that meet the Standard of Excellence, offering high level commuter benefits, will exclusively receive:
Recognition
- International public recognition for being commuter-friendly and socially responsible.
- Employer name included on National List Release during January each year.
- Downloadable certificate to display your elite status year-round.
- Exclusive use of the BWC logo on your website and materials.
Access to Tools & Resources
- Access to the BWC online members portal, including promotional tools, webinars, and more.
- Free and discounted professional development opportunities for employees.
- Web-based tools to help you calculate the overall financial, environmental, and traffic improvements associated with your commuter benefits.
Meet Industry Experts
- Web conferences and training to help you implement commuter benefits.
- Networking opportunities with peers and experts in the field to exchange ideas and learn new strategies.
questions?
Schedule a quick call today
We can help you determine your eligibility and get you on the road to becoming a Best Workplace for Commuters.