Georgia Commute Options launches campaign to “Drive Change”

There’s good news today for metro Atlantans. Georgia Commute Options is launching a new campaign, “Drive Change,” to encourage better and cleaner commutes for the region. Clean commutes include options like transit, carpools, vanpools, biking, walking or teleworking. In addition to changing the way you get to work and essentially helping the environment, commuters can actually earn cash rewards for trying out a new option, rather than driving alone.

Talk about change, it’s no surprise that metro Atlanta’s population has increased at a significant rate in the last five years, drawing Fortune 500 companies and new attractions, from stadiums to the Beltline. According to the most recent U.S. Census, in the last year alone the metro Atlanta region gained nearly 90,000 residents. This growth in population is a solid indicator of the economic vitality of the region, but could also present some challenges such as – more cars on our roads during the morning and afternoon rush hour. So, what’s a commuter to do?

Driving Change for all the right reasons

Riding to work during rush hour can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. And the benefits of clean commuting extend far beyond cash incentives in the long run. When you choose a commute option such as transit, carpools, vanpools, biking, walking or flexible work arrangements, you ultimately help yourself:

• Employees that chose teleworking are shown to be happier and more productive on the job.
• Taking a commute option like transit, walking and biking reduces stress levels and is healthier than driving alone.
• Commute options like carpooling and vanpooling save drivers money on gas, car maintenance and daily expenses like food and coffee.

Five ways to earn cash

Here are five incentive programs that commuters can take advantage of and start earning rewards:

• Gimme Five: Program participants can earn $5 a day — up to $150 — for trying a new commute option other than driving alone.

1. $25 Enter to Win: Existing clean commuters are entered to win monthly $25 prizes for logging their commutes.
2. Monthly Gas Card: Carpoolers with three or more riders can earn monthly gas cards.
3. Vanpool $50 Referral: Individuals can receive $50 for referring a new vanpool rider after that new rider has completed three consecutive months on a vanpool.
4. Guaranteed Ride Home: Program participants are promised a guaranteed ride home when unexpected events occur. Participants can receive up to five free rides, by taxi or rental car, to their home or car in case of emergency.

For more information about Drive Change or Georgia Commute Options’ incentive programs, visit www.gacommuteoptions.com/drivechange.