We are offering a solution that will make it possible for you to keep your car in the garage! Leave your keys at home and get your bike tuned up, your tennis shoes laced up or buy a bus pass in preparation for Smart Commute Week!

Smart Commute Week will take place from June 7-11, 2010. The goal? To get folks to consider alternative ways to get around town. This year’s event features free commuter breakfasts, free massages and yoga, free carpool parking downtown, bus rides with local celebrities and more. Participants can walk, bike, carpool, or take the bus, but whatever you do, make sure that from June 7 to 11 you check out other ways to get to work beside driving by yourself.

Consider rallying your co-workers and join with them to compete in the Commuter Cup Challenge. It’s not just about pride—there are prizes, too!

No matter where you live, you can get involved—buses can get you to work in TC on time from many villages around the region. The regional buses connect with the in-town BATA Cherriot buses too! A local carpool program called NMRide.net is also burgeoning. If you are willing to host a carpool or would like to request a ride, check www.NMRide.net today.

Smart Commute Week numbers are on the rise with 2009 figures coming in at: 1470 people attended the breakfasts, a 48% increase from last year; 650 commuter cup team members participated on 64 teams and together prevented 50,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions during the 4-day period; and 1333 riders took the bus on Try Transit Day.

“Many people are starting to think twice about getting in the car. The event aims to showcase the alternative transportation options that are available locally,” said event organizer Missy Luyk. “We hope that people who are interested in learning more about transportation alternatives will participate in Smart Commute Week.”

For more information about Smart Commute Week, please go to www.smartcommutetc.org or call TART at (231)941-4300.