July 3, 2006

People's Bank Deemed One of the "Best Workplaces For Commuters"

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded People's Bank a Bronze Award in its yearly survey of the "Best Workplaces for Commuters." The award recognizes People's Bank for its work with employees to promote commuter benefits and transportation choices.

Approximately 14 percent of People's employees use the commuter services the bank offers. People's "Commuter Club" subsidizes up to $65 dollars per month for all employees who use mass transit. In the past year, as a result of increasing gas prices, People's has recorded an increase in the number of employees using mass transit. More employees are purchasing mass transit passes, especially for train commuting, and more employees are requesting to be matched with other employees to form carpools.

"With the increasing cost of gasoline, employees are turning to more cost-efficient ways of getting to and from work," said Nancy Stracuzzi, director of health and welfare benefits. "But despite the increase in gasoline prices, People's has always been concerned about doing its part to reduce traffic congestion and improve the air we all breathe. We've offered commuter benefits for more than 16 years not only to assist employees but to preserve the environment and reduce the overtaxed highway system in Connecticut, especially I-95 in Fairfield County."

When viewed collectively, employees of all companies on the "Best Workforces for Commuters" list saved 389 million gallons of fuel and 3.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide cumulatively from 2001 - 2005. Annually, these employees are saving enough fuel to provide over 200,000 households with electricity for one year.

Founded in 1842, People's Bank (peoples.com) is one of Connecticut's largest banks with assets of $11 billion, more than 240 ATMs and 155 branches, 72 of which offer convenient seven-day banking in Super Stop & Shop locations across the state. A diversified financial services company, People's Bank provides consumer, commercial, insurance, brokerage, financial advisory and trust services to personal and business banking customers. For more information about People's, its products and services, please call 800-772-1090, visit peoples.com or any of People's branches.