November Prize Drawing

$100 Amazon Gift Card

Replace a drive-alone trip to work or school and instead take the bus or train, bicycle, carpool, walk, telework or vanpool once this month.

Click here to participate

Commuters of the Month

Eric Schoon & Ricardo de Jesus
City of Bloomington - Carpool

Most mornings, Ricardo de Jesus leaves his home in the north metro to pick up his carpool partner, Eric Schoon, at a nearby Park & Ride. They then make the 50-mile trek to their employer, the City of Bloomington, where they both work in the Public Works Department. Eric and Ricardo have made this a weekly habit for the past 12 years!

Ricardo says, “I drive because I have a more fuel-efficient car, and Eric pays me weekly to fill up the gas tank. We have similar interests in sports, (Motocross is a shared favorite) and because we work in the same department, we can collaborate on work projects during our commute. And the time just goes by faster when you have someone to talk to.” Ricardo offers up some advice for people considering carpooling, “Communication is key. Eric and I text each other the night before and agree on a plan that accommodates our schedules for the next day.” He continues, “Be flexible, leave yourself plenty of time to allow for unexpected traffic delays, especially with all the road construction. Then relax and try to be patient, we all want to get to work safely.”

Ricardo and Eric also benefit from a preferred parking spot located close to the employee entrance. It’s an easy way for employers to encourage and reward carpooling at their worksites. Commuter Services helps companies set up carpool parking, providing the signs and managing the program.

Commuter Challenge Winners

Prize: $500 Visa Gift Card

Katie Martin, Cigna - Telework

"Telecommuting is something I am very fortunate to have available in my current position. One of the biggest benefits is the time that I save by avoiding traffic! I spend the time I would have been sitting in a car doing other things I enjoy such as exercising, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying the summer weather!"

Prize: Electric Scooter

Ravinder Chahal, HealthPartners - Telework

"Working from home saves commute time and expenses, also I’ve noticed I get more time to work since I don’t have to worry about the commute and who doesn’t like working in pj’s?"

Prize: Dyson Vaccuum

Ritesh Kesharwani, Aon Corporation - Bike Commuting

"My office is about 7 miles from my home. I try to bike to work at least once a week. When I do, I feel more energetic and efficient at the office. It’s great exercise and fun!"

Prize: Commuter Bicycle from Freewheel Bike

Trek FX 2 decked out with accessories for biking to work

Bishal Sharma, Virtual Radiologic - Bike Commuting

"I get my cardio workout when I ride my bike to work and have free time with my family in the evening. It’s great cross training exercise and has helped me lower my cholesterol level."

2019 Events

• January - Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode (Prize: Google Home Hub)
• February - Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode (Prize: Apple Watch)
  Heart Health Month
• March - Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode (Prize: Beats Wireless Headphones)
• April - Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode (Prize: Dyson Multifloor Vacuum)
  Commuter Challenge (Prizes: $500 Visa Gift Card, Commuter Bicycle, Electric Scooter and Dyson Multifloor Vacuum)
  Earth Day is Monday, April 22
  Get on Board Day, April 25
• May - Commuter Challenge (Prizes: $500 Visa Gift Card, Commuter Bicycle, Electric Scooter and Dyson Multifloor Vacuum)
  Commuter Choice Awards Ceremony is Tuesday, May 7
  National Bike to Work Week is May 13 - May 17. National Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 17
  Commuter Services also celebrates Bike to Work Week in June (see below)
• June - Commuter Challenge (Prizes: $500 Visa Gift Card, Commuter Bicycle, Electric Scooter and Dyson Multifloor Vacuum)
  Commuter Services’ Bike to Work Week is June 17-21
  Bike to Work Celebration is Thursday, June 20 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at REI in Bloomington
  Dump The Pump Day is on Thursday, June 20
• July - Commuter Challenge (Prizes: $500 Visa Gift Card, Commuter Bicycle, Electric Scooter and Dyson Multifloor Vacuum)
• August - Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode (Prize: Bose Quietcontrol 30 Wireless Headphones)
• September - Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode (Prize: $100 Visa Gift Card)
  (Richfield) Open Streets at Penn Fest is Sunday, September 15 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
  World Car Free Day - Twin Cities: Thursday, September 19
  (Edina) Open Streets on 50th is Sunday, September 22 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
• October - Carpool to Work Month
• November Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode (Prize: $100 Amazon Gift Card)
• December - Monthly Incentive to Try a Sustainable Commute Mode

**Additional events will be added throughout the year