During the month of May, 273 people logged 5,900 alternative commutes during The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority’s (TheRide) Commuter Challenge. The Commuter Challenge encouraged individuals to form teams with their coworkers to try an alternative commute such as walking, biking, or taking the bus.
“We’re proud of everyone who took the Commuter Challenge as an opportunity to try a new way to commute. Those that participated in our challenge saved 62 times the amount of greenhouse gas than they produced,” said getDowntown Program Director Lilliane Webb. “We thank everyone who participated and hope their efforts inspire more people to use alternative transportation in the greater Ann Arbor area. We also want to extend a special thank you to all of the local businesses who helped support the challenge this year.”
By logging their first commute, participants automatically received a free scoop of ice cream from Washtenaw Dairy. Additionally, 13 individuals won gift cards to area businesses by logging their commutes or engaging with one of our social media challenges during the Commuter Challenge. Workplace teams that recorded the highest percentage of co-workers to log an alternative commute won group prizes. The following organizations won prizes:
- 2-20 employees: Michigan Association of Planning
- 21-49 employees: Atomic Object
- 50-100 employees: Mathematical Reviews
- 101-plus employees: Ann Arbor District Library
The Commuter Challenge is organized by TheRide and the getDowntown Program in partnership with the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and the city of Ann Arbor.
