Commuter Challenge I Commute

Are you tired of driving alone to work every day but not sure if the alternatives are any better? The truth is, using an alternate commute mode such as riding the bus or carpooling to work has numerous benefits. And these benefits go beyond just your daily drive. The community benefits with fewer cars on the road and less congestion and the environment benefits with less automobile exhaust and greenhouse gases. Here are just a few of the benefits you’ll see when you switch to an alternative commute mode:

Reduce stress and arrive at work feeling more relaxed
Cut commuting costs by up to 53%
Save time with HOV lanes and on-ramps
Reduce wear and tear on your automobile, and possibly get discounts on your auto insurance by leaving your car at home
Enjoy the scenery, read the newspaper or catch up on email
(or even catch a few Zs!) while someone else drives
Reduce the amount of pollutants you put in the air – even ridesharing just once a week can reduce the amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere by 50 pounds (1)
Fewer vehicles on the road means less congested highways
and better air quality.
Meet new & interesting people by joining a rideshare group or riding the bus
Get in your daily workout by jogging, walking or bicycling to work

Cost of Commuting

Commute Cost Calculator Determine what your commute actually costs and
how much you could save by using one of six other commute modes.

Emissions Calculator Calculate how much greenhouse gas your commute puts into our atmosphere (from the Transit Cooperative Research Program)

Commute Options Information on a variety of alternative commute mode options and links to providers in the Puget Sound region including vanpool, carpool, transit and bicycling.

Telework A variety of resources to help you get a telework program started at your worksite. Be sure to check out the Proposal to Boss Kit to find suggestions and templates to help you draft your own telework proposal.

Local Incentive Programs Links to some of the other incentive programs available in various cities around the Puget Sound Region. You may be eligible to participate in one or more of these in addition to the Regional Smart Commute Program. For more information, follow the links provided.

Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel Closure In order to retrofit and upgrade the downtown transit tunnel for use by both light rail and bus, the tunnel to be closed for up to two years, starting on September 24, 2005. Regional transit providers and other local groups, including Commuter Challenge, are working to provide a variety of services and incentives to help keep downtown Seattle moving during this time.

Workshops, Forums & Events Transportation related events around the Puget Sound region

(1) based on a commute trip of 25 miles per day

Photo Courtesy of King County Metro Transit