Make a change in your driving habits and Dump the Pump on June 17, 2010. With gas prices creeping higher each day, it is an ideal time to share the ride, take public transportation, or ride your bike to work. Dump the Pump Day is held to raise awareness of the financial and environmental benefits of trying commute alternatives other than driving alone. In fact, the latest APTA Transit Savings Report shows that a two-car household that downsizes to one car can save – on average – more than $9,000 a year.
Nationally, Dump the Pump Day emphasizes that public transportation is a great travel choice. Locally, the San Diego region’s two transit operators, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and the North County Transit District (NCTD), are partnering with the iCommute program at SANDAG to promote a whole range of commute choices.
Take advantage of the special Dump the Pump promotions this month:
It’s time to get on board and dump the pump!
For more information, call 511 and say “iCommute.”
During Rideshare Week 2009, RideLink is being transitioned to the new name iCommute. The iCommute name better encompasses all the services offered and takes on a fresh and contemporary new look and feel.
While the program will take on a fresh and contemporary new look and feel, it will remain solely dedicated to improving our region’s commute. Going forward, we will add new tools and refine our existing services to provide commuters with more choices and give them additional reasons for leaving behind their solo drives and choosing alternative methods to get to work.
iCommute will continue to offer the same great services to help commuters carpool, vanpool, take public transit, telework, and walk or bike to work. New technology will allow the program to be more efficient and effective at important tasks such as matching rideshare partners, tracking the benefits of alternative commuting, and offering incentives to people willing to make a change.
Our expanding services and tools afforded us the opportunity to change the program name to one that better encompasses all the services and tools offered, particularly those available on the Web – to better serve the public.
Stand for Less is a statewide campaign to improve conservation efforts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program offers useful information about making changes in your lifestyle and reducing your carbon footprint in four key areas: water, electricity, transportation, and recycling.
Bike to Work Day is an annual, nationally recognized event to support bicycling as a viable commute choice. iCommute oversees Bike to Work Day each May. At last year's event, more than 5,000 cyclists used pedal power to get to work.
Rideshare Week is held each October to increase awareness about the benefits of using alternative forms of transportation to get to work such as carpooling, vanpooling, riding the bus, bicycling, walking, and telecommuting. Commuters are asked to make a commitment to use an alternative form of transportation (other than driving alone) at least one day during Rideshare Week to reduce their commute costs and help the environment.
The Diamond Awards honor companies, organizations, and individuals for their outstanding contributions to reducing traffic congestion and improving mobility in the San Diego region. Award winners promote alternatives to driving alone including vanpooling, carpooling, use of public transit, teleworking, walking, biking, or a combination of these. Some organizations also provide incentives, subsidies, or pre-tax deductions to their employees for their participation in eligible programs.
iCommute and local organizations promote commute choices to area employers throughout the San Diego region. Host your own event, or learn more about iCommute’s Employer Forums.