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Commuter Challenge promotes alternatives to driving alone

Commuters can pledge starting April 1

Metro-area commuters this spring will be reminded that if they drive less and try alternatives to driving alone, they could win prizes through the annual Commuter Challenge.

Commuters who participate in the Challenge pledge to take the bus or train, carpool, vanpool, bike or walk to work at least one time between April 1 and June 30. The annual campaign is sponsored by Metro Transit and the region’s Transportation Management Organizations (TMOs): 494 Commuter Services, Anoka County TMO, Downtown Minneapolis TMO and St. Paul TMO.

Those who pledge to sample a transportation option are eligible to win a laptop computer, iPods, bikes and gift certificates. Commuters can pledge at metrotransit.org.

“It’s really easy to take the Commuter Challenge,” said Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb. “Try it for one day – that’s all it takes. If you already share the ride, you can pledge to make a bigger commitment.”

Getting local companies involved

Metro Transit and the TMOs work with local companies to get them involved in the annual campaign, helping to arrange commuter fairs and providing resources to promote the Commuter Challenge to employees. Last year, more than 12,700 people took the Commuter Challenge, most of them at 400 companies that offered encouragement in the workplace. This year’s goal is 15,000 pledges.

The Commuter Challenge will have a presence at several events in the Twin Cities this spring, including the Living Green Expo at the State Fairgrounds on May 3–4, which will provide commuters even more opportunities to pledge.

New this year – the team competition

This year, there’s a challenge within the Challenge. For the first time, a team competition will be conducted from June 16 through June 29 as part of the campaign. Groups of up to 10 participants can form a team and compete against others for prizes. Prizes will be awarded to the team with the most miles traveled and the team with the most trips completed using options other than driving alone.

Deadline to sign up for the team competition is May 31. Register online at www.metrotransit.org/challenge/index.asp