CONNECTICUT COMMUTERS ENCOURAGED TO SHARE A RIDE DURING CTrides WEEK MAY 11 15 2015

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

NEWS RELEASE

2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546

NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: May 7, 2015

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062

FAX: (860) 594-3065

WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

CONNECTICUT COMMUTERS ENCOURAGED TO SHARE A RIDE DURING CTrides WEEK, MAY 11 – 15, 2015

CTrides Week kicks off Monday, May 11 at the Downtown New Britain CTfastrak Station.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) invites Connecticut commuters to participate in a week-long challenge of trying alternative methods of travel for their daily commutes. For at least one day during CTrides Week, Monday, May 11 through Friday, May 15, 2015, commuters are asked to take advantage of various ride-sharing options instead of driving alone. Commuters are also encouraged to visit www.CTrides.com and pledge their greener commute on the CTrides Week webpage.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy declared May 11 – 15, 2015 as CTrides Week with an official proclamation for the State of Connecticut. CTrides Week is an initiative to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in Connecticut. Solitary drivers can also save time and money by teleworking, taking a bus, train or by joining a carpool or vanpool. In addition, there are added health benefits for biking or walking instead of driving.

To mark the official start of CTrides Week, an event is scheduled for Monday, May 11 at 9:00 a.m. at the Downtown New Britain CTfastrak station (327 Main Street). The event will feature an official kick-off ceremony with local representatives and partner organizations as well as information on how commuters can get involved with CTrides Week, a photo opportunity for CTrides social media channels, and information on commuting choices in Connecticut.

“CTrides Week allows us the opportunity to inform Connecticut residents about the advantages of utilizing the various commuting options we have available,” said CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker. “This year’s theme is ‘Find, Ride, Win’ and is all about creating more awareness about ride-sharing savings as well as the many rewards commuters can earn for participating in our programs.”

Commuters participating in the CTrides commuter reward program can track their miles and earn rewards for restaurant certificates and discounts, tickets to shows, sporting events, retail discounts and more.

In addition to the kickoff event, there are also a series of events scheduled during the week to recognize and thank commuters at worksites and at Park & Ride lots, Union Station in New Haven, CTfastrak stations, and at the Old State House in downtown Hartford.

Sharing a ride has a direct impact on Connecticut’s air quality. An individual switching from a twenty mile roundtrip commute to public transportation can decrease CO₂ emissions by approximately 4,800 pounds per year. Furthermore, sharing a ride can afford a variety of benefits to commuters, including saving money on vehicle maintenance as well as the cost of parking and gas. A commuter who switches to public transportation will also have the added benefit of a less stressful commute and the opportunity to relax.

Commissioner Redeker also added that taking advantage of CTrides’ programs reduces congestion on Connecticut roadways. “We can all do our part and benefit from fewer solitary drivers on the roads. I urge everyone to consider participating in CTrides Week and experience the advantages of a greener commute.”

CTrides can help residents and businesses 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, and teleworking. The service is free and anyone interested in signing up to take advantages of the rewards offered is encouraged to visit www.CTrides.com or call 877-CTrides.