Action 3 News

Will You Participate in the Commuter Challenge?

By Adam Racusin

CREATED Jul. 7, 2012

Omaha, NE - Tired of traffic, and red lights, and the price of gas?

Omaha’s commuter challenge starts on July 9th.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Agency and Metro Transit are hosting the challenge to raise awareness of the negative impacts driving a single-passenger car has on the environment, and educate people about their alternative transportation options
If you park, you might win.

Would you be willing to give up your vehicle for an hour, a day, a week and try to get around another way?

"It’s a great way to reduce our carbon footprint honestly, and I think more people need to do it,” said Amy Wattier.

"If it wasn't so hot out I would probably ride my bike to work, but I don’t know if I could give up my car,” said Jacob Pfeifer.

That’s the challenge. Ditch the daily grind and take your foot off the pedal.

"We’ve actually talked to our kids about looking into the bus schedules and hopping on, and see if we can go throughout the city without our cars,” said Neil Wattier.

The metropolitan two are challenging drivers to get on a bus, take a carpool, or bike to get where you’re going.

Why? According to MAPA July’s hot weather brings higher levels of ozone pollution making the air we breathe unhealthy.

The metro has already seen several ozone level warnings this summer.

Also, AAA says the cost of gas is expected to rise by nearly two percent this year.

"To protect our planet I mean help others help our grandchildren and their children,” said Alfredo Corbett.

“I couldn't, I live on the far western end of town and I work downtown,” said Roger Barnes. “I would if I could and I do ride my bike when I can.

The challenge is out and if you take it up there could be incentives at the end of the road.

After signing up for the challenge, participants log the number of alternative commutes and the number of miles traveled using alternative transportation each week from July 9 - August 3.

Everyone who logs a commute will be entered into a weekly raffle prize drawing, and the 3 individuals who accumulate the most points and the 3 individuals who accumulate the most miles will win an iPad, $100 Visa gift card, or Joslyn Museum Family membership!