UF encourages alternative transportation with One Less Car Challenge

August 26, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida faculty, staff, and students are preparing to reduce pollution for the second consecutive year with the One Less Car challenge.

Starting this week through Nov. 20, the challenge asks participants to give alternative transportation a try on One Less Car Day, Oct. 23, and throughout the fall semester. Participants can start or join teams and log both the miles they commute every day and the mode of transportation they use to commute with the new, easy-to-use online software. Points are awarded for each trip traveled by alternative transportation, including walking, biking, busing and carpooling. This year, the challenge encourages last year’s participants to “invite a friend,” and participants can earn bonus points through referrals. Each person will receive a button indicating the mode of transportation he or she has pledged to take.

“I hope this year’s One Less Car Challenge will encourage new members of the campus community to try alternative transportation, and that we will top the great success of last year,” said Anna Prizzia, director of the UF Office of Sustainability.

Teams and individuals compete to earn prizes for “most participation” and “most active team” by logging their commutes every day to earn points. Final prizes will be awarded in early December for the winning teams and individuals. Mini-challenges will also reward teams and individuals for accomplishments throughout the semester.

In last year’s competition, nearly 1,800 Gators used alternative transportation in more than 28,000 commutes. This accomplishment helped to prevent almost 45 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere.

The One Less Car challenge also includes an alternative transportation fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday on the Reitz Student Union North Lawn. Organizations that support alternative transportation will provide information, services and demonstrations. Student groups will offer advice and demonstrations to novice and experienced cyclists. Gainesville’s Regional Transit System staff will offer opportunities for participants to become familiar with routes, services and the Gator Locator GPS tracking system. Those interested in learning more about carpooling opportunities will be able to see live demonstrations of the GreenRide ride matching service. Zipcar, the car-sharing program on campus, will be on display.

Registration for the One Less Car challenge is ongoing. Members of the UF community can find out more information, sign up for the challenge, and join a team online at http://sustainable.ufl.edu/onelesscar.

For more information, contact Andrea Grossman at ufandi@ufl.edu.