Challenge Results through May 13, 2011

Since May 1, participants in Smart Trips 2011 Commuter Challenge, www.knoxsplat.com, have removed more than 66,000 pounds of harmful CO2 emissions from the air.

In the Business Challenge, the University of Tennessee is the current overall leader with 50 points and 5,993 pounds of CO2 reduced. Elizabeth Eason Architecture leads the 1 to 20 employees’ category. The Metropolitan Planning Commission has the top spot in the 21 to 99 employees’ category, while 21st Mortgage currently holds the lead in the 100 to 350 employees group. Other leaders include TVA in the 351 to 1,499 employees group and UT in the 1,500 and up employees’ category.

Smart Trips is a regional organization that promotes alternatives to driving alone and helps commuters find carpool partners, bike and transit buddies, save money on gas and help the environment. Each year the organization holds a Commuter Challenge to increase participation and raise awareness. More information about the Challenge and the Smart Trips program is available at www.knoxsmarttrips.org.

New Ridematching System

Our new ridematching system has been up a few days and I thought I'd take a moment to address a few things.

First, thank you so much for your tolerance and understanding during this transition. You make the Smart Trips program successful and we very much appreciate your participation and your patience! Next, if you have not already done so, please confirm your membership via the email sent to you by the new program or go to http://www.knoxsmarttrips.org/ to join. Until this is done you won't be able to log your commutes or be eligible for prizes or the Emergency Ride Home program. Finally, if you are having any problems with accessing the site or going through the registration process, please contact me at smarttrips@knoxtrans.org or call (865) 215-2916. I would be happy to talk you through or offer whatever assistance I can.

Few more things:

• Instructions for deleting or deactivating your account were sent in the original email, however, I can also do this from my end if you prefer.
• The process of confirming your information only happens with the initial set up, after that you're just two clicks in to log your commutes each time you log on.
• We've added complete instructions for logging commutes to the logging pages to make it clearer how to do this. But please let us know if you have any questions.

And don't forget the 2011 Commuter Challenge is underway. We're giving away Amazon Kindles, iPod Nano MP3 players, and a $1500 vacation package courtesy of AAA Travel of East Tennessee. More information about the Challenge is available at http://www.knoxsplat.com/.