MI: Potential for New Services Makes Commuter Challenge More Relevant Than Ever

April 21, 2014
With the potential for new transit services and the launch of the bike share program, employees may soon have even more options to get to and from work.

2014 marks an exciting time for alternative transportation in the Ann Arbor area. 

With the potential for new transit services and the launch of the bike share program, employees may soon have even more options to get to and from work.  A midst these developments is a much loved event that encourages employees to take advantage of alternative commuting to get to work. 

The 2014 Commuter Challenge, sponsored by Zingerman’s Community of Businesses and Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, starts on May 1, 2014.

The Commuter Challenge is a fun, free alternative commuting competition that happens during the month of May. During the Challenge, Ann Arbor area organizations compete to see who can get the most employees to try an alternative commute.

As of April 21, more than 700 employees from 166 organizations have registered for the Challenge. One of those employees is Robert Carbeck, Deputy County Administrator of the Washtenaw County Trial Court.  About 2 weeks ago, Robert’s car died.  Inspired by the Commuter Challenge, Robert is deciding not to get a new car but walk the 1.5 miles to work instead.

Organizations already signed up for the Commuter Challenge include the city of Ann Arbor, Google Ann Arbor, UM School of Public Health, Duo Security, and the VA Hospital.  

From Green Commute Day to Bike to Work Day, there are plenty of events during the Challenge to get people excited about alternative commuting.  Every week of the Challenge highlights a different type of alternative commuting. 

Employees who work at Ann Arbor area organizations can sign up and begin to log their alternative commutes on May 1, 2014.  Organizations with the highest participation in their size category win a worksite party.  Any employee who logs at least one commute gets free ice cream.