Commuter Choice
Maryland Newsletter
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This issue includes:
- incenTrip
- Upcoming webinar information
- Business Spotlight
- Commuter Choice Maryland Partner Program
- Rideshare Coordinator Spotlight
- Ongoing Initiatives
- State Fair & Opportunities for Upcoming Events
MDOT ‘incenTrip’ Mobile App Encourages Maryland Commuters to Earn Rewards by Using Transit, Ridesharing, Biking and
Walking
Users Can Save Time and Money, Help Reduce Traffic Congestion
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Commuter Choice Maryland is launching a program aimed at helping Maryland commuters save time and money, while also earning cash rewards when they take transit, rideshare or use other alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles in their rush hour commute.
Through incenTrip, a trip planning and logging app available for iOS and Android devices, Marylanders can earn points toward cash rewards – and help reduce traffic congestion and emissions – by increasing their use of public transportation, carpooling, vanpooling, walking, biking or using alternative work schedules whenever convenient.
The incenTrip app awards points based on the mode of transportation and time traveled, accounting for how the trip maximizes congestion relief. Points are awarded for trips during weekday peak periods – 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, excluding federal holidays. Once users cross a point threshold equating to $10 or more, they can redeem the points for cash at increments of $10, 25 and $50.
In addition to earning cash rewards, Marylanders using incenTrip also receive practical benefits including:
- Avoiding traffic. The incenTrip app makes it easy for users to take a break from the hassle of traffic gridlock, allowing them to reduce stress while cutting down on congestion for fellow commuters.
- Saving money. Using the app helps users save money on gas, parking and overall car maintenance by providing alternatives to driving alone. As a result, users earn rewards while saving money.
- Reducing carbon footprint. Users of incenTrip can minimize their impact on the environment by reducing transportation-related emissions.
The incenTrip program was developed through a partnership between MDOT, the Maryland Transportation Institute at the University of Maryland and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (MWCOG) Commuter Connections program.
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Spotlight on The City of Frederick
The City of Frederick, Maryland, which also serves as the county seat of Frederick County, employs approximately 880 people. The public employer developed and implemented several policies to provide staff with a flexible working environment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Karen Paulson, the City’s Director of Human Resources, described some of the City’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) efforts. Employers may wish to consider similar initiatives
as they develop return to office plans and welcome back employees.
“Teleworking, compressed work schedules, and flexible work hours programs have enabled staff to continue working in ways that fit within their schedules, allowing more freedom to balance work and home demands while providing a high level of service to our constituents.”
-Karen Paulson, Director of Human Resources, City of Frederick
To learn more about The City of Fredericks's efforts and to read the full story, click here.
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Commuter Choice Maryland Partner Program
The Commuter Choice Maryland Employer Partner Program seeks to recognize employers and organizations for their leadership in offering transportation benefits and creative program incentives to their employees. These leadership efforts help Maryland to reduce congestion, conserve energy, protect the environment and improve the quality of life of all Marylanders. When you become a partner you unlock the following free benefits:
- Complimentary guided support
- Custom Transportation Plan and Employee Travel Behavior Survey
- Feature your employer/organization’s Success Story
- Option for a webinar spotlight highlighting your successes to over 7500+ businesses and commuters and social media
- Access to employer assistance resources
We are pleased to see the program grow with new partners joining! We would like to welcome our new partners and thank our existing partners!
To see a full list of partners and to become a partner today, click here.
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Rideshare Coordinator Spotlight:
Allison Calkins, Howard County
Allison Calkins is the Travel Demand Management Specialist and Rideshare Coordinator for Howard County. Gladys Hurwitz, with Commuter Choice Maryland, had the pleasure of interviewing Allison about her role and current projects; what she enjoys most about her job; her experience working with commuters and businesses; and what she loves about working with Commuter Choice Maryland.
“I like finding new and creative ways to move around the County without the need to drive all the time.”
-Allison Calkins
To get in touch with Allison and to learn more about how she can help you, please see her contact information below.
Email: acalkins@howardcountymd.gov
Phone: 410-313-3150
Website
To read the full interview with Allison, click here!
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Upcoming Webinar: Learn how and why you should use the free incenTrip app
Commuter Choice Maryland is hosting a webinar with special guest Chengfeng Xiong, P.h.D., Associate Research Professor at University of Maryland, Maryland Transportation Institute on November 18, 2021 at 12 pm EST. In this session, you will learn about how the new, free mobile app expansion of incenTrip in Maryland will help you plan your commute trips and earn points towards cash rewards based on the travel option you select.
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Walktober
Walktober was a great time to celebrate walking! Walktober 2021 had a great lineup of speakers in a series of “Walkinars” (walk-focused webinars). If you missed any of these interesting Walkinars, you can always catch the recorded Walkinar online. It is never too late to celebrate walking.
The Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) Tours & Report Available Now
The Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) is Maryland's six-year capital budget for transportation projects. The CTP contains projects and programs across the Department. The MDOT released the Draft FY 2022 - FY 2027 CTP Report September 1st. To read the Draft report, click here.
Annually, the MDOT meets with each County in the State of Maryland, along with Baltimore City, to share the Draft CTP between September 15th and November 15th. To view the fall tour schedule, click
here.
The Kim Lamphier Bikeways Grant
The Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program, which is administered through the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), offers grant assistance to local jurisdictions and state agencies to improve safety, enhance multimodal connectivity, and fill missing links in the State’s bicycle network. MDOT is pleased to announce $3.38 million in FY 2022 Bikeways Program awards to sixteen projects, which will close gaps in the Maryland’s bicycle network. Visit the
Bikeways website for a complete list of FY22 and previous years’ awards.
Electric Vehicle Journey
We are in the midst of an exciting and revolutionary time for electric vehicles (EVs). As more new models hit showrooms at increasingly lower prices, more car buyers are catching on to how fun, safe, economical, and environmentally friendly they are. EV sales have been accelerating for years, and experts predict that by 2040, more than half of all new cars sold in the US will be electric. If you live in Maryland, there are plenty of reasons to get energized
about flipping the switch to EVs. Combined with federal incentives, state, and local utility incentives, and benefits like reduced fuel costs, easier maintenance, and a better driving experience, it’s never been easier to get plugged into the power of EVs. Check out the new EV story
map on MarylandEV.org to learn more.
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Tips of the Quarter:
Maryland State Fair &
Opportunity for Upcoming Events
A huge thank you to everyone that stopped by the Commuter Choice Maryland booth during the 2021 Maryland State Fair. We had a great time meeting Maryland commuters and business owners, as well as providing information on commuter benefits. We look forward to seeing you at next year's Fair!
Commuter Choice Maryland representatives are always looking for opportunities to share information about commuter benefits and tax credits, either in-person or virtually. If you have an event that you would like Commuter Choice Maryland to be a part of, please contact us at commuterchoice@mdot.maryland.gov. |
For more information on Commuter Choice Maryland, please contact us at 410-865-1100 or email commuterchoice@mdot.maryland.gov. Representatives are available to assist Monday—Friday, 8:00 am—4:30 pm. Visit our website at: www.commuterchoicemaryland.com.
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