Commuter benefits among employers in major metropolitan areas increased by 57% this year, from 28% in 2006 to 44% in 2007, according to a survey conducted by Transit Center Inc., a nonprofit organization promoting the use of mass transit. 

This number is a correction from a press release issued last month that included a data calculation error citing 132% growth in commuter benefits since last year. Other survey findings remain unchanged. The 2007 Commuter Impact Survey was independently fielded to 245 U.S. human resource professionals across public, private, nonprofit and government organizations. 

The findings for all employers surveyed include:

• Commuter benefits are the number one planned addition to benefits packages in the next year, with 17% of employers saying they intend to implement the pre-tax program.

• Almost two thirds of employers say they have developed initiatives to support the environment and curb global warming, pointing to commuter benefits as the leading way they are responding.