Thinking of giving up your solo commuting grind? A regional program is offering incentives to make it a little easier.
Georgia Commute Options – a program managed by the Atlanta Regional Commission – is encouraging commuters to leave their cars at home Aug. 19-23, so it can empty out local parking decks. The "Clear the Deck Challenge" seeks to reduce single-occupancy travel and increase the use of "clean" options like transit, teleworking, carpooling and biking.
Participating commuters from 20 metro Atlanta counties are eligible for year-round incentive programs:
*Gimme Five: Participants can earn $5 a day – up to $150 – for trying a new commute option other than driving alone.
*$25 prizes: Existing clean commuters are entered to win monthly $25 prizes for logging their commutes.
*Monthly gas card: Carpools with three or more riders can earn monthly gas cards.
*Vanpool $50 referral: Individuals can receive $50 for referring a new vanpool rider after that new rider has completed three consecutive months on a vanpool.
*Guaranteed ride home: Participants are promised a guaranteed ride home when unexpected events occur and are approved. Participants can receive five free rides each year by taxi or rental car to their home or car in case of emergency.
Last year more than 1,200 people participated in the challenge, and the program reduced vehicle miles traveled by 45,604 over the week.
For more information about Georgia Commute Options and the incentive programs, visit www.gacommuteoptions.com.
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