Clean Commute’ Program Launches in Buffalo

Viridi is the first East Side employer to offer incentives and support for employees who travel by public transit, walk, carpool or bicycle to work
Buffalo, NY — June 25, 2025 — Clean Mobility Buffalo, an alliance of organizations and neighborhood leaders advancing transportation solutions through projects that connect people and places, today launched its Clean Commute program, for East Side employers to incentivize and support employees who travel by public transit, walk, carpool, or bicycle to work, with a ribbon-cutting at Viridi on E. Delavan Avenue.
“We’re excited to provide extensive Clean Commute resources and amenities that make it easier for employees and residents to get to work, school, and other destinations,” said Kim LaVare, Project Manager for Clean Mobility Buffalo. “We’re breaking down transportation barriers that impact job retention and new employment opportunities, reducing pollution, and supporting the health and wellbeing of the neighborhoods surrounding local businesses.”
The Clean Commute program provides transportation benefits and builds awareness about transportation options for employees commuting to companies, universities, hospitals, and other organizations on Buffalo’s East Side.
Energy technology company Viridi is the first to launch Clean Commute for its employees, with program introductions also planned for Canisius University; Erie County Medical Center; Harmac Medical Products, Inc.; Kaleida Health; and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“At Viridi, we believe clean energy should be accessible not just in the grid, but in everyday life. Being the first to launch the Clean Commute program reflects our deep commitment to our employees and to our East Side community. This initiative supports our vision for a more resilient, cost effective, equitable, and connected Buffalo,” said Jon M. Williams, Chairman & CEO, Viridi.
“Our mission is to connect people to meaningful careers—and that includes removing barriers that stand in their way. Transportation is one of the biggest challenges our workforce faces. Clean Commute helps ensure our people can get to work reliably, safely, and sustainably, opening doors to long-term employment and community stability,” said Jeff Conrad, Executive Director, GreenForce.
Clean Mobility Buffalo’s Clean Commute program includes:
- Commuter Information Centers
- On-site transit and biking amenities (transit schedule screens, bike racks, etc.)
- Free or reduced-rate transit passes
- Carpool matching platform and incentives
- Free ride home in the event of a personal emergency
- Access to bikes through Reddy Bikeshare memberships, e-bike raffles, e-bike library, and microloans for employees to purchase a bike or scooter and pay back from their paycheck over time
- Free bike and pedestrian safety gear including helmets and locks for employees and community members
- Rewards for biking or walking to work
- Mobile repair events for bike maintenance
- Commuter education including Bike to Work 101 and Bike Safety lunch and learns
- Pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure improvements including on-site crosswalks and lighting
- Complete Streets focus group for employee input on infrastructure investments
- Advocacy for improved transit services
- Flexibility in shift schedules to coordinate with transit
- GO Buffalo Niagara (transportation management association) membership to continue momentum of building active and sustainable commuter culture
Clean Mobility Buffalo partners the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC) and GO Buffalo Niagara are actively working with local institutions to implement Clean Commute by developing commuter policies and programs.
“We’re grateful to NYSERDA and our participating anchor companies for their efforts to connect people to clean and affordable transportation options. Transportation has a big impact on access to jobs and on overall quality of life, and the more we all work together to create reliable options, the stronger and healthier our neighborhoods will be,” said Jamie Hamann-Burney, Chief Strategy Officer, BNMC.
“GO Buffalo Niagara is thrilled to celebrate these partnerships with East Side anchor institutions who are leading the way in innovative employee transportation benefit programs. Together, we are advancing efforts that not only improve mobility and reduce environmental impact but also create healthier, more connected neighborhoods. We aim to inspire other employers to invest in sustainable, accessible transportation options and look forward to replicating these initiatives across Western New York as we continue working toward a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future,” said Christine Krolewicz, Program Manager, GO Buffalo Niagara.
Clean Mobility of Buffalo is supported by a $10 million award from NYSERDA’s New York Clean Transportation Prizes program to implement efficient, affordable, and accessible transportation solutions across Buffalo’s East Side.