A prize-drawing in the carpool lane

PHOENIX — The county transportation authority is trying to clean up the summer air by offering prizes to residents who use alternative modes of transportation through Oct. 10.

Valley Metro’s annual Summer Ozone Contest has run for more than 10 years. It offers gift cards and incentives for people to carpool, vanpool, take the bus, ride a bike, refuel after dark or telecommute to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which help trap ozone particles Valley wide and lead to dirtier air and hotter temperatures.

Winners will be drawn at random each month through September. Residents will get a double entry if they use alternative modes of transportation during high-pollution advisories.

The prizes include:

• a one-night stay at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort,
• a one-night stay at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs,
• a two-night stay at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Phoenix,
• a $20 gift certificate to First Watch,
• four passes to the Arizona Science Center,
• a $25 gift certificate to Valle Luna Mexican food restaurant,
• a $25 gift card to Claim Jumper restaurants,
• a round of golf for four at The Boulders Resort,
• a $50 gift card to Eddie’s Wildfish Grille in Desert Highlands.

“It is one more way to get people interested in using alternative modes of transportation…it provides interest and excitement,” says Jeff Reid, Valley Metro’s ride share administrative assistant.

Valley Metro hosts various ride share contests throughout the year, including the Valley Bike Month in April, and Ride Share Week in the fall, both which award residents with similar prizes. Local merchants donate them to encourage residents to participate in environmentally friendly habits.

“I wish I would have know about the contest years ago,” says Christine Benson, a Tempe resident since 2004. “I think it’s a great idea. I don’t think people are necessarily going to stop driving to work by themselves, but I do think it is nice to reward those who do try to keep the environment clean.”

To be eligible to participate, contestants must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of Maricopa County. Contestants must also submit an entry during the applicable entry period for that drawing.

Contestants can participate any time before October 10 by entering the date(s) that an alternative mode was used at valleymetro.org. Winners will be randomly selected by Valley Metro administration. The winner will be notified by phone, email or certified mail within 10 days of the drawing date. Submissions are based on the honor system.

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