The Central Oregon community loves to walk, bike, carpool, use transit, and vanpool. Learn more about your community through our new page: Commuter Stories.
Become a part of our Commuter Stories. It’s easy to get started. Once you decide which option works best for you, go to Drive Less Connect and register. If your employer is not a Commute Options Partner, have them give us a call.
For more information call Kim Curley – (541) 408-6111 or email kim@www.commuteoptions.org
Mike Todd, Accounts Payable Clerk, The Bulletin
Like most people, Mike Todd owns a car. But he doesn’t mind leaving it home to save money on fuel and car expenses. And Mike enjoys the friendships he’s made and visiting with drivers and riders on the bus.
It all started for Mike because he wanted to save money. But he got much more than that! Riding the bus is easy, convenient and affordable. The drivers are really helpful and attentive to people that ride the bus. The web provides bus schedules for all the routes. And if you have a question, just call or stop in at Hawthorne Station and ask the friendly people that work for Cascade East Transit. Mike also enjoys meeting new people on his ride to and from work. According to Mike “riding the bus is a great experience!”
Mike’s employer, The Bulletin, has been a supporter of Commute Options for years. As a Commute Options Partner, their employees are eligible for rewards when they walk, bicycle, ride the bus, carpool/vanpool, telework, or work a compressed work week. For every 45 days an employee uses a commute option to and from work, they earn a $20 gift card from a local businesses. According to Jeff Monson, Commute Options Executive Director, more than 70 employers are Partners. “This is such a great program and really helps motivate employees to try something new, rather than driving alone to work.”
Michael Egbert and Lucas Erickson, Mechanics, Bend Garbage & Recycling
Michael Egbert and Lucas Erickson started carpooling a year ago to save money. And that they did! In the last year each saved nearly $1,500. According to Lucas, “The best thing about carpooling is the savings and fun you have driving with someone else.”
Michael and Lucas spend their work day at Bend Garbage & Recycling in Bend as mechanics. The thought of working together and commuting to and from work might be a little too much. But the idea of saving money on gas and car expenses was enough motivation for them to give it a try. And save money they have. After a year, they’ve each saved around $1,500.
As far as other positive outcomes, Michael appreciates the friendship he and Lucas have built. And Lucas says, “The best thing about carpooling is the savings and fun you have driving with someone else. There are tons of reasons to carpool, but feeling good about reducing the impact of energy use and the amount of traffic on the road feels pretty good. Not to mention, my daughter sees me carpooling everyday and why wouldn’t that set an example for her.”
Bend Garbage & Recycling has been a Commute Options supporter for more than 10 years. The company understands the importance keeping cars off the road is to the livability of Central Oregon and vibrancy of the economy. Helping employees save money by reducing transportation costs and living an active lifestyle are also high priorities.
The Company believes so strongly in motivating employees that they expanded on the Commute Options Partners Rewards Program. For every 45 days an employee uses a commute option, they earn a $20.00 gift certificate from Commute Options. Bend Garbage & Recycling is matching that making the incentive $40.
“Any time we can encourage healthy activity for our employees and reduce fuel consumption, it’s a win-win for all of us” says Brad Bailey, Bend Garbage & Recycling President. “Commute Options is a great program any company can get behind.”
Brice Murri, Senior Research Chemist, Bend Research
As you can see, Brice is a healthy, happy guy. Healthy because he rides his bicycle to work faithfully whether it’s raining, snowing or the sun shines. Happy because of the money he saves and his personal contribution to keeping Central Oregon a great place to live.
Brice started logging his trips on Drive Less Connect in September of 2012. In two years he’s reduced 7,452 miles, 1,311 vehicle trips, 367 gallons of gas, 7,323 pounds of pollution, and by the way, saved $2,556. And did I forget to mention, Brice’s employer, Bend Research, is a Commute Options Partner so he receives a $20 gift card for every 45 days he rides his bicycle.
Bicycling is only one of several commute options to choose from. You can also walk, carpool/vanpool, ride the bus, telework, or work a compressed work week.
It’s easy to get started. Once you decide which option works best for you, go to Drive Less Connect and register. If your employer is not a Commute Options Partner, have them give us a call.
For more information: Call Kim Curley – (541) 408-6111 or Email – kim@www.commuteoptions.org