Commuter Challenge!

TRU is partnering with the local transit agencies, carpool groups, bike advocates and others to promote alternatives to driving solo with the Commuter Challenge. We’ll kick it off with a Transportation Information Fair and a week of mode-specific promotional activities.
Check out all these great events!!
Friday, May 8 – Transportation Choices Fair
Come to Cadillac Square in downtown Detroit between 11am and 2pm to learn about the wide variety of transportation choices available to southeast Michigan commuters. Check out SMART and DDOT buses. Learn about carpool and vanpool matching services. Talk with local bicycle commuters. Learn the latest from the People Mover. Find out about new transit options coming soon. Sign up for the Commuter Challenge to win prizes when you try out new ways to travel.
Saturday, May 9 - National Train Day
At the Detroit Amtrak Station, as at hundreds of stations around the country, rail supporters will celebrate the 140th anniversary of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad. Come by the station (at 11 W. Baltimore, just west of Woodward at New Center) between 9am and 12noon to witness the presentation of a proclamation presented to Amtrak's Wolverine train from the Mayor of Detroit, followed by train exhibits, trip planning, and much more. Hosted by the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers (MARP).
May 11 – 22 – The Commuter Challenge
The Commuter Challenge invites southeast Michigan commuters to Go Green and $ave Green with a contest and prize drawing for people who try new transportation options those two weeks. Participants can try riding the bus or People Mover, sharing a carpool or vanpool, biking, walking, or telecommuting. Each day of using a new commuting mode can enter participants in a drawing to win an Ipod, restaurant gift certificates, and much more. Learn more and sign up at www.SEMCOG.org/MIrideshare.aspx.
Monday, May 11 – Carpool / Vanpool / Flextime day
Explore your options about saving money with carpooling and vanpooling from 11am – 1pm in front of Compuware. Try your luck to win a gas card and other prizes with a kiddie “car”pool and by guessing the number of balloons in a MichiVan.
Tuesday, May 12 – People Mover day
The Detroit People Mover will hold its first ever "People Mover Midway - Lunchtime Carnival." Arcade games will be located at four People Mover stations from 11am - 2pm with a chance to win exciting prizes. The stations are: Renaissance Center, Cobo Center, Michigan Avenue and Financial District.
Wednesday, May 13 – Ride the Bus day
Ride the Bus day will provide commuters everything they need to try riding the bus for the first time, including guided morning bus rides, Bus 101 information sessions, and even some free bus passes.
Thursday, May 14 – Walking day - Dequindre Cut and non-motorized presentation
Join the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy and its partners in celebrating the official opening of the Dequindre Cut Greenway. A grand opening ceremony will take place at 10am at the Woodbridge St. entrance of the Cut followed by food, activities and entertainment taking place at all three entrances of the Cut (Woodbridge St., Lafayette St., Gratiot Ave.) until 2pm. Enjoy cooking demonstrations from Eastern Market, guided walking tours of the Dequindre Cut from Inside Detroit and much more.
Model D is talking Detroit Bikes and Trails at its speaker series that evening, with Todd Scott of the Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance and Bil Lusa of the Tour De Troit. The free event is at 5pm at the Green Garage in Midtown. Also check out the afterglow with Great Lakes Urban Exchange, Bureau of Urban Living, Inside Detroit and Motor City Brewing Works.
Friday, May 15 – Bicycle day - Annual Bike-to-Work ride
Join dozens of other cyclists and ride your bicycle to work downtown along Woodward (from Royal Oak or Ferndale) or Jefferson (from Grosse Pointe or Indian Village). A great way to get exercise and see the city in a new way, while commuting to work. Voted by the MetroTimes as "the best reason to ditch your car 2006"! All the details are at the Detroit Bikes! website.
These great events are jointly sponsored by SEMCOG, SMART, DDOT, MDOT, Compware's Commuter Assistance Program, the People Mover, the League of Michigan Bicyclists, MichiVan Commuter Vanpools, and Transportation Riders United.