This summer, the City of Seattle is actually going to pay you to get out of your car.
Seriously. The Way to Go, Seattle program wants to get you walking, busing, biking, carpooling and transit- riding so badly that they are going to hand out bus passes, gear from REI, organic food, Zipcar memberships and, yes, cash.
Here are some options and what you’ll get in return:
Level 1 – Trial separation from your car
Just try it for a month, maybe you’ll like it. And for doing so you’ll earn $20 for a Commuter Voucher to use towards a bus pass or ticket, or for biking and walking gear from REI.
Level 2 – Break up with your car
This option is for those who are a little more serious about the split. If you plan to sell your car or have in the last two months, tell the City about it and you can earn a $200 Commuter Voucher toward a bus pass or ticket book or biking and walking gear from REI; a $100 discount for a subscription to Tiny’s Organic; $50 off a Zipcar Membership, and a free membership to Cascade Bicycle Club and Bicycle Alliance of Washington.
To inspire coworkers to carpool, the City is giving up to $150 to people who are willing to stop driving to work alone. Refer a friend and earn $20 per successful referral.
Just participating in this program enters you to win $50 gift certificates for bus passes and REI gear.
Here’s what you have to do:
Most of these things require little more than filling out some basic information and answering a few questions. None of them seem to take more than 10 minutes.
Not only does ending your relationship with your car earn you cash and other giveaways, but it will also save you money and maybe even improve your health. To see what you might be eligible for, check out the requirements for each program here.
Get out and go out
So if you’re willing to pledge allegiance to being car-free this summer, there is one other program you should know about called Pledge: Go Green to Save Green. The City is partnering with popular Seattle attractions like the Woodland Park Zoo and the Seattle Art Museum to give discounts to those who pledge to use alternative modes of transportation.
Pledge and receive a printable PDF of your discount coupon to show at places like the Pacific Science Center, the Seattle Aquarium, local businesses, restaurants and more. Find the full list of participating businesses at SeattleCAN.org.
Getting out off your car can reduce traffic congestion and decrease our collective carbon footprint. If you’re already interested in doing these things, you might as well start now and reap the rewards.
Check here for a list of tools the City has to offer for traveling sans car.
Image Credits: City of Seattle
