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King County Metro keeps ‘Communities In Motion’

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King County Metro keeps ‘Communities In Motion’

Summary

King County Metro is encouraging people who use Interstate 405 to take a pledge to choose travel options that are healthier and more affordable than driving alone – such as taking transit, bicycling, walking, carpooling and vanpooling.

Story

Program encourages travelers to rethink their trips, share rides

King County Metro is encouraging people who use Interstate 405 to take a pledge to choose travel options that are healthier and more affordable than driving alone – such as taking transit, bicycling, walking, carpooling and vanpooling.

Metro has kicked off its I-405 Communities In Motion program that rewards drivers with $25 for pledging to change some of their drive-alone trips, log reduced trips for three months and take a follow up survey. Registration is open through Dec. 6.

The goal is to get commuters thinking about ways they can change some trips to make a more reliable trip on I-405 for everyone. “Traveling the I-405 corridor can be a challenge. During much of the day, traffic is heavy, express toll lanes have started, and eligibility for the use of HOV lanes has changed,” says Program Director Debbie Jaksich. “The Communities In Motion program is here to help people explore travel options in their community as alternatives to driving alone.”

Metro’s Communities In Motion program, developed in 2013, has reached residents in 13 cities in east King County, and by June 2015 had over 4,500 participants pledge to reduce two drive-alone trips per week. Participants logged their trips through RideshareOnline.com, which boasts a network of 52,500 users logging trips. Together, participants have eliminated an estimated 12.3 million miles of drive-alone trips, saved an estimated 341,242 gallons of gas, prevented an estimated 6.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, and saving an estimated $2,548,661 in travel cost.

People who live or work along the I-405 corridor are invited to join and register online to record their weekly progress. Participants must be at least 18 years or older and have at least one car in the household. Logging trips online will qualify participants for monthly prizes and emergency rides home through the I-405 Diamond Club. Those who don’t own a car or can’t reduce any more drive-alone trips can instead sign up to become a car-free champion, recruit other participants or become an ambassador by telling how they shared a ride or avoided driving alone. Rewards are limited.

The pledge and survey period will close at the end of the year. More information is available online at the In Motion website, at getinmotion@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-2005. Metro Transit services information is online or 206-553-3000. Follow us on Twitter @kcmetrobus or Facebook at King County In Motion.



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