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Resolve to Try a New Commute, Win Prizes

‘New Year, New Commute’ program encourages alternative transportation

By Duke Today Staff

From now through Feb. 14, local residents are being encouraged to explore new ways to get to-and-from work as part of the “New Year, New Commute” program.

Sponsored by GoSmart, formally known as GoTriangle, New Year, New Commute is meant to increase awareness of alternative commuting, which includes options like the fare-free Bull City Connector or local and regional bus routes. Duke community members can also use Share the Ride NC, a special carpooling website set up for faculty and staff to find rideshare partners.

Duke employees who sign up for the Share the Ride program will be entered into a raffle for two prizes from Duke’s Parking and Transportation office. One randomly selected participant will receive a coffee lover’s gift pack from Joe Van Gogh Coffee, which includes a travel mug, coffee beans and varied swag items. Another participant will get an Unpark Yourself commuter pack with water bottle, travel mug, to-go container and more. 

Commuters can also sign up for GoPerks incentives, a program that gives away $500 in gift cards each month to dozens of businesses, including Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and Maggiano’s Little Italy.

“We’re still in the time of New Year’s resolutions and a lot of people focus on health or money,” said Matt Lardie, outreach coordinator for Duke’s transportation demand management program. “Changing a commute can impact both of those, from carpooling to save on parking and gas to biking to work for exercise.”

As part of an effort to try new commute options in 2016, GoSmart staff recommend taking these steps to make the transition easy:

  • Register for the free Emergency Ride Home program to get home if the unexpected happens. 
  • Begin or join a vanpool or carpool.
  • Plan your trip online or call (919) 485-7433 for details on transit options.
  • Get free personalized assistance to find the best commute option by calling (919) 485-7574.

For more information about alternative commute options and how to fit them into your life, email Matt Lardie at matthew.lardie@duke.edu.