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

FOR RELEASE: April 30, 2018

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

FIRST ANNUAL CTrides DRIVE LESS CONNECTICUT MONTH IS ANNOUNCED
Drive Less Connecticut Campaign kicked off Monday, April 30 at the Meriden Railroad Station

Governor Dannel P. Malloy has officially proclaimed May 2018 as CTrides Drive Less Connecticut month in the state of Connecticut. CTrides is a program of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) 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.

To mark the official start of Drive Less Connecticut month, a press event was held at the Meriden Railroad Station on State Street on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Speakers at the event featured CTDOT Public Transportation Bureau Chief Richard W. Andreski, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Rob Klee and David Robinson, a member of the Governor’s Council on Climate Change and a representative of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

“Drive Less Connecticut month allows us to demonstrate to commuters just how convenient our various commuting options truly are,” stated Public Transportation Bureau Chief Andreski. “Connecticut has made major enhancements to our transit infrastructure in recent years and we are grateful to take the opportunity to show off our excellent system to new customers.”

“DEEP is excited to participate in the Drive Less Connecticut month. By encouraging DEEP employees to try alternative modes of transportation, such as carpooling, public transit, biking, or walking, we will help reduce congestion, harmful air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, all while supporting Connecticut’s transit infrastructure,” said DEEP Commissioner Klee. “Changing your daily commute from a single occupancy vehicle to an alternative mode can save you time, money, and reduce the stress we all feel from congested driving.  I encourage all Connecticut residents to look at their own commuting habits and explore new ways to commute to work by signing up to participate in Drive Less Connecticut month.”

Commuters participating in the first annual Drive Less Connecticut competition will be eligible to win weekly prizes and grand prizes for taking a choice commute at least one day per week during the month. In addition, commuters who track their trips at www.CTrides.com or using the CTrides iOS app will earn rewards for restaurant certificates and discounts, tickets to shows, sporting events, retail discounts and more.

During Drive Less Connecticut month, CTrides will be assisting employers throughout Connecticut and will invite employers 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. 

“Every car trip not taken by sharing a ride, teleworking, and biking or walking has a direct impact on Connecticut’s air quality,” stated CT DEEP Commissioner Rob Klee. “I urge everyone to consider taking part in CTrides Drive Less Connecticut Month to experience all of the advantages of a greener commute. We all benefit from fewer cars on the roads.”

In addition to the kickoff event, there will also be a series of events scheduled throughout the month to recognize and thank commuters at worksites and in public. Employers who are not already partners with CTrides can sign up for the competition on the website as well.

CTrides can help residents and employers 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, teleworking, and walking or biking. The service is free and everyone is encouraged to visit www.CTrides.com or call 877-CTrides.