Hollister
– The Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments wants more
people to try alternatives to driving alone and this week is
offering a little incentive to local residents.
Hollister – The Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments wants more people to try alternatives to driving alone and this week is offering a little incentive to local residents.
During Rideshare Week 2006, which lasts until Friday, people who live or work in Monterey and San Benito counties can pledge to carpool, vanpool, bicycle, walk, ride the bus or telecommute for at least one day. In return, they’ll be entered in a drawing for prizes that include an overnight stay and dinner for two at The Inn at Spanish Bay, gift certificates for the Earthbound Farm Farmstead, a one-month bus pass for the San Benito County Express and the grand prize, a $4,000 travel voucher.
“We’re advertising it as a trip around the world, but people can do anything they want with it,” said Shelley Gesicki, marketing manager at AMBAG’s Commute Alternatives program. “They can travel around the world, or they can just use it for a really great trip somewhere local.”
She added, “The campaign is designed to increase awareness of the benefits of alternative transportation. We’re hoping that people will try something new, see the benefits and then incorporate it into their regular commute schedule.”
Gesicki said that more than 600 people have registered so far, putting Rideshare Week 2006 on track to top last year’s 1,007 participants.
However, according to San Benito Council of Governments Transportation Planner Veronica Lezama, there are less than 200 San Benito residents signed up.
Lezama, who runs San Benito’s rideshare program, said her count only includes sign-ups obtained at the San Benito County Fair or similar events, or through packets sent to employers; it does not include commuters who registered on the rideshare Web site.
“It’s a little low compared to last year, when we had a little over 300 sign-ups,” she said. “I guess there was a low turnout at the county fair.”
When asked why San Benito has about half as many participants as Monterey County, Gesicki noted that this is a smaller county and added that there are many San Benito residents who commute to San Jose. They’re still eligible to register for Rideshare Week, but it’s harder to get the message to them.
“There are more people who live and work within Monterey County, so Veronica faces a greater challenge,” Gesicki said. “The best way to promote is through employers; that legitimizes it a little.”
According to Lezama, San Benito’s alternative transportation efforts aren’t limited to this event. The county has a carpool database that matches people interested in carpooling with possible partners. It also has four 15-passenger vans – three of which are currently leased – and recently received a grant from the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District to buy three more. COG is currently applying for a grant to update its bikeway and pedestrian plan.
AMBAG and San Benito started the local rideshare week 24 years ago as part of a larger statewide campaign. For more information, call (831) 637-POOL or go to www.rideshareweek.com.
Anthony Ha covers local government for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or ah*@fr***********.com.
