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CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546 |
| FOR RELEASE: May 12, 2016 |
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 16 – 20, 2016
CTrides Week kicks off Monday, May 16 at the Stamford Transportation Center
Governor Dannel P. Malloy has officially proclaimed May 16 - 20, 2016 as CTrides Week. CTrides is a special initiative of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. During CTrides Week, CTDOT invites Connecticut commuters to try alternative methods of travel and enjoy a better daily commute. In addition to ridesharing instead of driving alone, commuters are also encouraged to visit www.CTrides.com to pledge at least one day of greener commuting and then track that commute using the CTrides Ridematching & Rewards program for a chance to earn prizes.
Commuters can save time and money by teleworking, taking a bus, train or by joining a carpool or vanpool. In addition, there are added health benefits for biking or walking instead of driving.
To mark the official start of CTrides Week, an event is scheduled for Monday, May 16, 8 a.m., at the Stamford Transportation Center (30 Station Place, Stamford). The event will feature an official kick-off ceremony with CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker, Stamford Mayor David Martin and partner organizations, as well as information on how commuters can get involved with CTrides Week, a photo opportunity for CTrides social media channels, and information on commuting choices in Connecticut.
“CTrides Week encourages Connecticut residents to give their cars a rest,” said CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker. “This year’s theme is ‘A Better Commute. A Click Away.’ and is all about making commuters aware that there are many ways to change your commute, with information available at one place, CTrides.com.”
Commuters participating in the CTrides commuter reward program can track their miles and earn rewards for restaurant certificates and discounts, tickets to shows, sporting events, retail discounts and more. Prizes will be raffled off to those who ‘Go Green,’ sponsored by: Beardsley Zoo, Peapod (Stop & Shop), Eve’s Addiction, Splash Car Wash, SportsCenter of CT, Wadsworth Atheneum and NuRide.
In addition to the kickoff event, there are also a series of events scheduled during the week to recognize and thank commuters at worksites and in public. Nearly 40 events are scheduled at employer worksites statewide including: The Hartford, Aetna, Tauck Tours, Bigelow Tea, St. Mary’s Hospital, Yale University, First Niagara Bank, Waterbury Hospital, L+M Hospital and more.
As a company challenge, CTrides will be recognizing the top employer in the following categories: Most employees who pledged a trip, most employees who tracked a trip, highest percentage of employees who pledged a trip, highest percentage of employees who tracked a trip, and employer with the most miles saved due to their employees not driving alone.
Sharing a ride has a direct impact on Connecticut’s air quality. An individual switching from their car to public transportation for a twenty mile roundtrip commute can decrease CO2 emissions by approximately 4,800 pounds per year. Sharing a ride can afford a variety of benefits to commuters, including saving money on vehicle maintenance as well as the cost of parking and gas. And a commuter who switches to public transportation will also have the added benefit of a less stressful commute and the opportunity to relax.
Commissioner Redeker noted that taking advantage of CTrides’ programs reduces congestion on Connecticut roadways. “We can all do our part and benefit from fewer solo drivers on the roads. I urge everyone to consider participating in CTrides Week and experience the advantages of a greener commute.”
CTrides can help residents and businesses find transit and ridesharing options and other greener ways to work or travel. For more information, please visit www.CTrides.com and stay-up-to-date on CTrides Week at Facebook.com/CTrides, on Twitter @CTrides and Instagram @CTrides_insta.
About CTrides
CTrides is a commuter program of the Connecticut Department of Transportation designed to provide information on alternate commuting options and services to Connecticut residents, resulting in reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality. Commuting alternatives to driving alone include carpooling, vanpooling, public transit including bus and rail service, and teleworking. The service is free and anyone interested in signing up to take advantages of the rewards offered is encouraged to visit www.CTrides.com or call 877-CTrides.