The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced today that the CTrides Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge will launch on Earth Day (April 22, 2023) and run through May 31, 2023.
The campaign promotes the reduction of harmful greenhouse gas emissions, the leading cause of climate change, and encourages Connecticut’s residents to drive less and instead use the state’s bus and rail systems or carpool, vanpool, bike, walk, or telecommute, whenever possible. The campaign supports Connecticut’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Currently, transportation accounts for 38% of greenhouse gas emissions in Connecticut – the largest share of any sector.
The campaign’s goals this year are to eliminate 275,000 pounds of emissions, eliminate 20,000 car trips, and reduce the miles driven by single-occupant vehicles by 300,000 miles. The six-week challenge is offers participants who record their green trips on the CTrides app chances to win prizes.
“This Earth Day, it is vital to recognize the harmful impacts of transportation emissions on our air quality and climate,” said CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “This campaign asks all Connecticut residents to do whatever they can to drive less and use greener alternatives. Whether that’s using one of the state’s many safe and low emission public transit options, hopping on a bike or scooter, or simply walking from A to B, there are many alternatives available for people to lessen their carbon footprint. I ask our residents to give these options a try and do their part to reduce unhealthy emissions.”
Everyone who sets up an account during the campaign will receive an additional 5,000 bonus points that can be used for discounts for food, entertainment, and retail discounts. The CTrides app also offers a trip planner that gives residents travel options to destinations throughout Connecticut.
“The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is proud to support the Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge and encourages everyone to participate,” said CTDEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Vehicle exhaust continues to be the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions and asthma-causing air pollution in our state. I encourage all Connecticut residents to look at their own travel habits and explore new ways to commute and travel greener by joining in the Climate Challenge starting on Earth Day.”
The CTrides app and the Challenge website (CTrides.com/DLC) will feature a dashboard that will track all participants’ positive impacts and goals in the Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge. Participants will also receive weekly email updates on their contribution towards the goals, how many trips they recorded, and their eligibility for prize drawings. The prize drawings will be held following the end of the campaign.
About CTrides
CTrides is the Connecticut Department of Transportation commuter services program designed to provide information on alternate commuting and travel options and services to Connecticut residents, employees, and students resulting in reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality. Travel options for driving alone include the train, bus, carpooling, vanpooling, teleworking, and walking or biking. The service is free, and everyone is encouraged to visit CTrides.com or call 877-CTrides.