Say 'so long' to your solo commute

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Tell your single-occupancy vehicle you want to start seeing other people during Wheel Options promotion, April 4-15

Leave your car behind and use a wheel option at least twice during the Washington State Rideshare promotion and become eligible to win a reward Photo by Todd McNaught

Do you ever experience the stress and frustration of the region's traffic? Do you think drive-alone commuting has a negative impact on your wallet, your vehicle and the environment? Well, here's your chance to relax, join in the fun and say "hello" to other people who commute by bus, train, vanpool, carpool, bicycle and foot, plus enter a drawing for prizes.

Washington State Ridesharing organization is sponsoring its semi-annual commuter promotion, "Wheel Options, Your Trip, Your Way," April 4-15. Last year, hundreds of worksites across the state successfully used this promotion to encourage alternatives to driving alone and help reduce traffic congestion.

Wheel options

Employees who use a wheel option at least twice during the promotion are eligible for rewards. Wheel options include carpooling, vanpooling, riding the train or bus, biking, walking, working from home or compressing your work schedule.

For questions about Wheel Options, help from the Transportation Department in finding a match in a carpool or vanpool, or information on how to get a Hutch Pass, contact Jaimie Reavis at (206) 667-1438.

Enter the Wheel Options drawing by completing an online entry form at www.WheelOptions.org. Submit Wheel Options Web-site entries by April 22. Prizewinners will be announced on May 20 and will be posted on the Wheel Options Web site.

Prizes include a Caribbean cruise for two, Amtrak train tickets, getaway stays at various resorts, an Apple iPod mini, gift cards to establishments throughout town and more.

In addition, Fred Hutchinson's Transportation Department is awarding coffee basket, a portable CD player and gift certificates. These gifts will be on view in the Yale lobby, the Weintraub great hall and the Robert M. Arnold Building (PHS) entry corridor at different times throughout the promotion. Entry forms will also be available.

The benefits of improved health and reduced stress are priceless and, according to the American Automobile Association, the cost of savings of alternative commuting can reach over $8,000 per individual annually.

The ultimate reward is realizing that there are viable options and you can say "so long" to your solo commute.

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