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Commuter Challenge encourages friendly competition

Metro Transit, TMO campaign using social networking tools

Sometimes it takes a little friendly competition to spur action.

This year’s Commuter Challenge, an annual campaign that encourages commuters to try an alternative to driving alone to work, is promoting friendly competition as a way to get more commuters to sample a transportation option.

Now through June 30, commuters can visit the Commuter Challenge website to pledge. The website helps participants to track changes in their own commuting behavior and invites them to challenge a co-worker or friend.

“The website makes it easy for anyone to participate,” said Bruce Howard, Metro Transit’s Director of Marketing. “Participants can compete against others and accumulate points each time they take the bus, for instance.”

To take that competition a step further, the website encourages employees to form teams and challenge others within their company or at a rival company. Those who pledge are eligible to win prizes.

The Commuter Challenge is sponsored by Metro Transit and the region’s Transportation Management Organizations (TMOs): 494 Commuter Services, Anoka County TMO, downtown Minneapolis Commuter Connection and St. Paul Smart Trips.

Will rivals go viral?

The website created for this year’s Commuter Challenge uses many of the same tools popular on social networking websites.

“These tools will help us create a buzz about the Commuter Challenge over the Internet,” Howard said.

Participants can personalize their online Commuter Challenge profile by posting a photo or other symbol. The website also encourages those who pledge to post photos of participants fulfilling their challenge. Others can watch the progress of a particular challenge by signing on as a fan.

Those who take the Challenge can find friends online and invite them to register, using the website’s interactive features to send and post e-mail messages throughout the campaign.

Commuter Challenge continues to grow

The Commuter Challenge continues to grow in popularity and success. Last year, 14,970 people pledged to take the bus or train, carpool, vanpool, bike, telecommute or walk to work. That was 18% higher than the year before.

Metro Transit and TMOs work with local companies to get them involved in the Commuter Challenge, helping to arrange commuter fairs and providing resources to promote the campaign to employees.

The Challenge will be highlighted during events in the Twin Cities this spring, including the Living Green Expo at the State Fairgrounds on May 2-3 and Twin Cities Bike Walk Week on May 10-16.