Intel, Qualcomm, and Oracle are the best workplaces for commuters among Fortune 500 Companies, according to the 2nd annual ranking released by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Through the Best Workplaces for Commuters program, the EPA is recognizing the companies for their role in offering commuter benefits that reduce fuel consumption, vehicle emissions, and traffic congestion across the country.

The program provides a way for employers to encourage energy conservation by offering commuter benefits, such as subsidized transit passes and vanpool vouchers, telework and rideshare programs, bike lockers, showers, and an emergency ride home.

Participating employers in the program offer commuter benefits to more than 2.8 million employees nationwide, including nearly 600,000 employees from Fortune 500 companies. Overall, the program conserves 146 million gallons of gasoline and prevents the release of 1.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, while saving commuters more than $400 million annually at current gas prices, according to the EPA.

The companies on the list have met EPA's National Standard of Excellence and offer these commuter benefits to the highest percentages of their U.S. workforce.

To meet the National Standard of Excellence for commuter benefits and qualify as one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters, employers must provide:

• At least one primary commuter benefit, such as a monthly transit/vanpool pass subsidy or a significant telecommuting program;
  
• At least three supporting commuter benefits, such as carpool/vanpool incentives, lockers/showers for bikers or walkers, compressed/flexible work schedules, or on-site daycare;
  
• A central point of contact, who actively informs employees of available commuter benefits; and
  
• Access to an Emergency or Guaranteed Ride Home Program.

For the second year in a row, Intel is topping the list. Intel earned its number-one spot by offering a high caliber of commuter benefits to 92 percent of the company's workforce.

The EPA says the Top 20 Best Workplaces for Commuters from Fortune 500 companies are:

1. Intel
2. (tie) Qualcomm
2. (tie) Oracle
4. Sun Microsystems
5. Microsoft
6. (tie) Texas Instruments
6. (tie) Cisco Systems
8. Advanced Micro Devices
9. Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
10. Safeco
11. EMC Corporation
12. Boeing
13. (tie) Devon Energy
13. (tie) El Paso Corporation
13. (tie) Nike, Inc.
16. Hewlett-Packard
17. (tie) IBM
17. (tie) Reliant Energy
19. Wyeth
20. Apple Computer

For more information on the program, visit http://www.commuterchoice.gov