CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: February 11, 2014

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

CTrides Offers Connecticut Commuters Rewards

 For Greener Trips

      Whether you are commuting to work, school or traveling to any destination in the state, Connecticut residents can earn valuable rewards points just for sharing rides.

      By participating with the CTrides program, commuters can take advantage of the many offers available through its partner NuRide, the nation’s largest rewards program for individuals who take greener trips. A greener trip is when someone doesn’t drive alone and instead chooses to walk, bike, telecommute, carpool, vanpool, or take the train, bus or ferry.

      “Sharing the commute is a great way to save on gas and wear and tear on your own vehicle,” stated Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker. “What’s more, you’re helping the environment by reducing emissions and easing congestion on the roads. As an added bonus, the rewards are our way of recognizing your continued support and efforts in helping Connecticut become a greener place.”

      There are currently over 22,000 NuRide members in Connecticut who have taken 4.1 million greener trips and redeemed more than $831,000 in rewards since February 2005. By taking greener trips, here is how Connecticut commuters have been helping since the NuRide partnership started:

• 47,413 tons of emissions prevented
• 2,195,495 carpool and vanpool trips
• 1,511,503 public transportation trips
• 140,655 walking trips
• 178,653 telecommutes and compressed work weeks
• 119,625 biking trips
• $57,141,951 saved by driving less
• $831,220 of rewards redeemed

      “Gaining reward points is as easy as sharing the ride with other commuters,” stated Kay Carson, a spokesperson from CTrides. “Recording the trips you participate in with the NuRide system will automatically start you on your way to earning rewards. We also encourage commuters to continually check in with CTrides and NuRide for the latest rewards available, as they’re constantly being updated with new and exciting offers.”

      Participating companies offering rewards include: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Wadsworth Athenaeum, Peapod by Stop & Shop, 1-800-Flowers, Eastern Mountain Sports, Ace Hardware, Green Mountain Coffee and more. There are currently more than one hundred rewards available.

      Anyone interested in participating in the rewards program is encouraged to visit CTrides.com and register for a NuRide account. CTrides can help residents find schedules, fares, locations, and a better way to work or travel. For more information, visit CTrides.com and join the conversation at Facebook.com/CTrides and 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.  The service is free and anyone interested in signing up to take advantages of the rewards offered is encouraged to visit www.ctrides.com