The South I-25 Transportation Management Association is trying to reduce the distance traveled by single-occupancy vehicles this year as part of the new Million Mile Challenge.
The program is encouraging residents of south metro Denver to use alternate modes of transit once more than they currently do. For example, if a resident rides his or her bike to work once a month, it would be ramped up to twice a month.
TMA believes if enough people participate, it can cut back on the amount of vehicle miles traveled by a million miles annually.
South metro commuters average 12 to 15 miles per one-way trip, according to TMA transportation analyst Hannah Heavrin.
“We’re hoping that we get enough people who have that (length of commute) to sign up for the program to change their behavior and reduce vehicle miles traveled,” Heavrin said.
The United States is responsible for approximately 25 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, according to the Environmental Defense Fund, an advocacy group. One-third of the United States’ carbon emissions are transportation-related.
The Million Mile Challenge began this month. The free program only requires registrants to complete a short survey about their transportation habits. Participants will be eligible for prizes, such as gift cards and electronics.
Alternate modes of transportation include carpooling, public transit, bicycling and telecommuting.
TMA will offer subsidized monthly RTD passes for 25 percent off to aid the cause. About 300 discounted passes will be available every month between April and September, which is when the ozone is most at risk from vehicular pollution, Heavrin said.
The program is made possible by a grant from the Denver Regional Council of Governments. TMA is a coalition of local entities, including Arapahoe County, Lone Tree, Centennial, Douglas County, Greenwood Village and Denver.
Interested individuals can visit southeastconnections.com/millionmile for more information or to register. Participants must work along the southeast corridor of I-25 to be eligible.
