MIDDLEBURY — The tenth annual Way to Go! Smart Trip Challenge kicks off on Sept. 26. More than 9,000 Vermonters throughout the state have signed up so far, a projected carbon savings of nearly 440,000 pounds. There’s still time to take part in this effort to reduce driving costs, air pollution and traffic. Individuals and teams may sign up at www.waytogovt.org.
Way to Go! participants pledge to take the bus, carpool, telecommute, bike or walk to work, school and other trips during the weeks of Sept. 26-Oct. 7. While reducing the impact of driving solo on their wallets and on Vermont’s air and roadways, participants can earn prizes. A special prize will be awarded to the school with the highest participation rate, an AllEarth Solar Tracker valued at over $32,000.
In support of this statewide challenge, ACTR is offering Fare-Free Friday on Friday, Sept. 30.
“Fare-Free Friday is a great incentive for people to try out the bus,” said Jim Moulton of ACTR, a partner organizer of the challenge. “We take great pride in the work we do to improve the economic, environmental, and social health of the community and we’d love for you to see firsthand how we do it on Sept. 30.”
In addition to the fun and prizes associated with the challenge event, Vermonters have the peace of mind of the Go! Vermont Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) benefit. GRH reimburses bus riders’ and carpoolers’ travel fees up to $70 for unforeseen changes of plans such as work-related or family emergency. Preregistration for GRH is required at www.connectingcommuters.org.
ACTR provides community transportation services that are safe, reliable, accessible and affordable for everyone. For more information, please contact ACTR at 388-ACTR(2287) or on the web at www.actr-vt.org.