Washington, D.C.—Commuter Connections is launching ‘Pool Rewards, a program first introduced in 2009 as a demonstration project to encourage drive alone commuters in the Washington, DC region to try carpooling.  Participants can earn $2 ($1 each way) for each day they carpool to work over a consecutive 90-day period, up to a maximum of $130.  To be eligible, participants must start or join a new carpool, go online to log some simple information about their commutes, and complete a brief survey about their experiences. More than 70 percent of the initial 100-plus participants identified ‘Pool Rewards as a valuable motivator to get them out of driving alone to and from work in their cars and into carpools. 

“‘Pool Rewards is an innovative incentive program we developed to motivate drive-alone commuters to try a shared-ride to work,” said Nicholas Ramfos, Director, Commuter Connections. “During our initial demonstration project, more than 100 commuters made the switch and earned cash rewards—we’re expecting even more commuters to sign on this year.  It’s good for commuters, good for the air and good for reducing traffic congestion.”

In addition to advantages gained through ‘Pool Rewards, ridesharing benefits in general may include savings on fuel costs, reduced mileage/automobile wear and tear, HOV lane access, and less driving and stress.  Plus with Commuter Connections, those who rideshare are given assurance through the free Guaranteed Ride Home program that gets commuters home in the event of an unexpected emergency or unscheduled overtime, making it easier to choose carpooling with confidence.

Commuter Connections, a regional transportation network coordinated by the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), is launching this program as part of its ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow, decrease air pollution and promote long-term changes in commuting behavior. Interested commuters can sign up at www.commuterconnections.org.