#vanpooling

In the world of alternative commuting—that is, not driving alone to and from work every day—the old adage of “what’s in it for me?” is often in play. Sure, it’s easy to say that carpooling, vanpooling, taking the commuter rail or biking to work is good for the environment and less stressful than driving alone. But what really motivates someone to share their car or ride with others and rely on another’s schedule to get to and from work?

The answer: money.

Yes, good old-fashioned, green money. Or, as is the case for the North Shore TMA raffle winners—money in the form of gift cards.

Take Steve Brinton from Cell Signaling Technologies for example. Steve is an alternative commuter. He carpools or bikes to work two times a week and logs his trips using the NSTMA’s Green to Work calendar. Simply doing just that – practicing a shared commute and logging it – makes Steve eligible for a monthly $25 gift card drawing and a quarterly $100 gift card drawing.

Isn’t it time you got paid for doing something good? Try a shared commute. Then log it in Green to Work so you can confidently answer the question the next time it’s asked of you.

The conversation may go something like this…  

Commuting Naysayer: Why do you carpool to work? It’s so inconvenient!

You: I don’t need my car every. I’m saving money on gas, wear and on my car, and I get paid for it.