CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: May 10, 2013

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

CONNECTICUT COMMUTERS ENCOURAGED TO SHARE A RIDE DURING CTrides WEEK, MAY 13 – 17, 2013

      The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is inviting Connecticut commuters to participate in a week-long challenge of trying alternative methods of travel for their daily commutes. For at least one day during CTrides Week from May 13 through May 17, drivers are asked to visit www.CTrides.com and pledge to take advantage of various ride-sharing options instead of driving alone.

      A proclamation signed by Governor Dannel P. Malloy officially declared May 13-17, 2013 as CTrides Week. The efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in Connecticut were cited as main reasons for encouraging commuters to share the ride. Solitary drivers can also save time and money by taking a bus or train or by joining a carpool or vanpool. There are even added health benefits for biking or walking instead of driving. 

      “CTrides Week gives us the opportunity to showcase the advantages of using the various ridesharing and greener travel options available throughout the state,” said CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker. “This year we are pleased to announce the addition of partnering employers and organizations that are promoting CTrides Week to their employees. These partners serve as an example for other companies to implement comprehensive ridesharing programs, so that together, we can ultimately make Connecticut a better place to live and work.”

      Some CTrides Week partnering companies include Bigelow Tea, Cartus, and Travelers. These companies have implemented successful commuting programs which include elements such as supporting a large percentage of public transit riders, providing special parking for carpools and vanpools, offering reward programs or holding special promotional activities during CTrides Week. Some of the promotional activities include incentives for CTrides Week employee participation, bike to work events, and onsite informational programs. 

      Government agencies, planning agencies, educational institutions and non-profit organizations have committed to promoting, coordinating and executing CTrides Week events. In addition to the lead role taken by CTDOT, others include the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, the South Western Regional Planning Agency, and Bike Walk Connecticut.

      Each of these companies, agencies and organizations can serve as a role model for others in the state, helping to show that employers can truly benefit from having employees share a ride or telecommute. CTrides works with Connecticut employers for free to help their employees find better alternatives to get to work, which can lead to improved productivity and morale, reduced absenteeism and late arrivals, easier recruiting and retention of employees, potential tax savings, and an emphasized commitment to good corporate citizenship. 

      Sharing a ride can also have an impact on Connecticut’s air quality, as an individual switching from a twenty mile roundtrip commute to public transportation can decrease CO2 emissions by approximately 4,800 pounds per year. Additionally, sharing a ride can afford a variety of benefits to commuters including saving money on maintenance of a vehicle as well as the cost of parking and gas. A commuter who switches to public transportation will also have the added benefit of a less stressful commute. 

      “In the end, we all benefit from fewer solitary drivers on Connecticut’s roadways,” added Commissioner Redeker. “I encourage all residents to consider participating in CTrides Week and experience the advantages of a greener commute.”

      CTrides can help residents find schedules, fares, locations, and a better way to work or travel. For more information, visit CTrides.com and stay up-to-date on CTrides Week at Facebook.com/CTrides or through Twitter @CTrides.

About CTrides

CTrides is a program of the Connecticut Department of Transportation designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality by providing information and services for alternatives to driving alone. Commuting alternatives include carpooling, vanpooling, public transit including bus and rail service, and telecommuting.