News Release

Start of RideShare Delaware's 2nd Annual 'Give Your Car A Break Week' Announced Today!

Delaware Department of Transportation, Secretary Nathan Hayward, III announced this morning that this week of September 12th - 16th has been officially declared 'Give Your Car A Break week', per the Office of Governor Ruth Ann Minner.

This campaign is the brainstorm of RideShare Delaware, the one and only statewide carpool matching organization. Under the direction of the Transportation Management Association of Delaware (TMA Delaware), administrator of the statewide RideShare Delaware program, individuals statewide committed themselves to give their cars a break one time during the week of September 12th-16th. Commuters were encouraged to Give Their Cars A Break, by trying a new way of commuting. Alternate modes include carpooling, vanpooling, riding transit, walking or biking to work.

Commuters who were interested in forming carpool or vanpool arrangements were registered with the RideShare Delaware program to receive matches in advance of the event week. Commuters wishing to use transit were provided with 5 free Daily DART transit passes so that they could use transit. "Its one thing to get folks trying alternative commute modes.. what we need is to keep them there," stated Secretary Nathan Hayward, III., as he illustrated the value of alternative commute modes. He praised the efforts of RideShare Delaware for bringing attention to this strategy for reducing congestion and improving our environmental resources such as air and water.

TMA Delaware Chairman, Thomas Davis of Dupont stated, "The current price of gas is prompting commuters to take a new look at the way they are getting to work." In fact, this year, nearly 600 commuters are taking a look at the way they get to work, many of them wanting to cut on their commute costs.

Of the 300 commuters who said they currently drive alone to work, the following commute modes represent their commitment:

• 46% committed to carpool
• 25% committed to ride some form of public transportation
• 12% committed to bike
• 8% committed to vanpool
• 8% committed to walk

Completed commitment cards qualify registered commuters to be eligible for prizes such as: a weekend getaway, a limo driven night on the town, a Shopping Spree and a Segway(r). Winners will be announced in the near future.

Individuals interested in learning more about RideShare's commuter matching service can contact RideShare Delaware at 1-888-RIDE-MATCH or visit www.ridesharedelaware.org. Employers interested in promoting Give Your Car A Break week at their worksite can also call RideShare Delaware or go on-line for free downloadable promotional materials.

RideShare Delaware is a free public service offered by Dart First State open to all commuters working in Delaware. RideShare Delaware works to promote the use of alternate commute modes including carpooling, vanpooling, riding transit, walking or biking to work. RideShare Delaware's goals include reducing congestion, increasing mobility and improving air quality.