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

FOR RELEASE: May 10, 2018

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

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND HARTFORD YARD GOATS TEAM UP ON CTRIDES BIKE TO THE YARD GAME

Yard Goats Promote Drive Less Connecticut Month Competition

As part of Drive Less Connecticut month, CTrides, a program of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), has teamed up with the Hartford Yard Goats to create the first “CTrides Bike to the Yard” game on Thursday, May 17, 2018.

The Hartford Yard Goats will take on the Akron Rubber Ducks at 7:05 p.m. at Dunkin Donuts Park. The gates open at 6:00 p.m. The first 50 individuals who bike to the game receive a free Yard Goats ticket. CTDOT Public Transportation Bureau Chief Richard W.  Andreski is scheduled to throw out the first pitch at the game.

Drive Less Connecticut month is focused on reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. During the entire month of May, CTDOT invites Connecticut commuters to try choice commuting modes such as bus, rail, carpooling or vanpooling, biking, walking, and teleworking.

“Drive Less Connecticut month allows us to showcase just how convenient our various commuting options truly are,” stated Bureau Chief Andreski. “We are thrilled that the Hartford Yard Goats organization is partnering with us in our effort to remove single-occupant vehicles off of Connecticut’s roadways. Even if you cannot bike to the game, you can still carpool or take public transit to an exciting evening at a beautiful ballpark.”

Participation has been strong in the first week of the Drive Less Connecticut competition. To date, Connecticut commuters have already reduced more than 124,000 miles on the road. That’s equivalent to approximately five times around the circumference of Earth. Participants have also contributed to reducing over 112,000 pounds of emissions within the first week of the competition.

Commuters who participate in the first annual Drive Less Connecticut competition and track their trips at www.CTrides.com or by using the CTrides iOS app, are also eligible to win weekly and grand prizes for taking a choice commute at least one day per week during the month. Grand prize sponsors include Mohegan Sun and REI; weekly prize sponsors include Hartford Yard Goats, Connecticut Open Tennis, Connecticut Sun, Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, Garde Arts Center and Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

During Drive Less Connecticut month, CTrides will be assisting employers throughout the state to participate in a friendly competition to achieve the highest level of reductions in single occupant vehicle use and harmful emissions. CTrides will recognize the top employer in the following categories: total number of greener trips, most new members, total active members, and team spirit. Winning organizations will be recognized at an awards ceremony the morning of June 6, 2018 at the Yard Goats Club at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford.

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, teleworking, and walking or biking. The service is free and everyone is encouraged to visit www.CTrides.com or call 877-CTrides (1-877- 287-4337).