SEMCOG
Southeast Michigan Council Of Governments

Take the Challenge: Commuter Challenge 2015

| environment, transportation

Carmine Palombo

Carmine Palombo

Carmine, Deputy Executive Director for SEMCOG, has more than 30 years of experience in various phases of transportation planning. Carmine retired from SEMCOG in June 2018.

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The month of May – the gateway to summer – will be here soon. So is the Detroit Commuter Challenge. What is this Commuter Challenge? Well, the “challenge” is for those who drive alone to work in their car to try a new mode of travel for the commute. Try carpooling or vanpooling, public transportation, walking, biking, or making use of flextime and telecommuting. All of these choices will reduce roadway congestion, air pollution, and save commuters money.
The benefits of not driving alone to work include:

  • Avoiding high gas prices! Leaving your car in the driveway can save most commuters at least $3,000 annually. Calculate your savings with SEMCOG’s MiRideshare Commute Cost Calculator.
  • Helping the environment! Air quality improves with fewer vehicles on the road.
  • Reducing your stress! Enjoy your commute by reading, napping, checking your e-mail, or socializing.
  • Exercise! Incorporate cycling or walking into your commute for the additional fitness benefit.

If those are not enough, there are also prizes! Participants who sign up before May 1 have a chance of winning a $50 Amazon gift card! In addition, when you log your alternate commute days on the Commuter Challenge website, you will receive one point for each day. The more points received, the more chances to win great prizes, including a Kindle, Tigers tickets, Marriot hotel stay, Visa and Amazon gift cards, dinner at Andiamo, and more!

The Detroit Commuter Challenge kickoff event, presented by Bedrock Real Estate Services, will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2015, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Chase Bank Patio, 611 Woodward, in Downtown Detroit.

In addition, May 1 is Casual Commute Day. Southeast Michigan will be competing against Lansing and Grand Rapids for the most commuter participation. Commuters who sign up will be eligible for great prizes.

Bike to School Day is May 6 and the annual Detroit Bike to Work Day on May 15 includes organized rides coming from the north, east, and west to meet in Downtown Detroit.

Try to make time to participate. Try a new way to get to work, get a prize, and have some fun at the same time.

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