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CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NEWS RELEASE
2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546
NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546 |
| FOR RELEASE: May 11, 2017 |
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot |
CONNECTICUT COMMUTERS ENCOURAGED TO “REBOOT THEIR COMMUTE” DURING CTrides WEEK, MAY 15 – 19, 2017
CTrides Week kicks off Monday, May 15 at Bushnell Park in Hartford
Governor Dannel P. Malloy has officially proclaimed May 15 – 19, 2017 as CTrides Week. CTrides is a program 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.
To mark the official start of CTrides Week, an event is scheduled in Hartford for Monday, May 15, 10:30 a.m., at the Bushnell Park Jewell Street entrance. The event will feature an official kick-off ceremony with CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker 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 allows us the opportunity to inform Connecticut residents about the advantages of utilizing the various commuting options we have available,” said CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker. “This year’s theme is ‘Reboot Your Commute’ and is all about making commuters aware that there are many ways to change your commute, all 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. To add to the excitement of CTrides Week, those who pledge at least one day of greener commuting at www.CTrides.com are eligible to win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards, sponsored by NuRide. There is also a Grand Prize Family Fantasy Package to Mohegan Sun, sponsored by Mohegan Sun. The package includes a one night stay for four, four tickets to a Connecticut Sun game, a $100 restaurant gift card and even transportation for four via CTrail Shore Line East and/or CTrail New Haven Line.
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: Jackson Labs, The Hartford, Chabaso Bakery, Waterbury Hospital, Amazon Distribution, Yale University, City of Stamford, Bigelow Tea, Avon Health Center, Gaylord Hospital, Alexion and more.
As a company challenge, CTrides will be recognizing the top employer in the following categories: most employees who pledge a trip, most employees who track a trip, highest percentage of employees who pledge a trip, highest percentage of employees who track a trip, and employer with the most miles saved not driving alone. Last year’s winners included Aetna, Bigelow Tea, SeeClickFix, Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, and Yale University.
Sharing a ride has a direct impact on Connecticut’s air quality. An individual switching from a twenty mile roundtrip commute to public transportation can decrease CO2 emissions by approximately 4,800 pounds per year. Furthermore, 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. 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 also added that taking advantage of CTrides’ programs reduces congestion on Connecticut roadways. “We can all do our part and benefit from fewer solitary 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.