Try Transit Week a Success; Loudoun Commuter Wins Prize

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Try Transit Week a Success; Loudoun Commuter Wins Prize

For the second straight year, more than 1,000 Virginians pledged to stop driving alone and try a form of transit during Try Transit Week. The event, which took place from September 21-25, helped raise awareness about available transit options and about the benefits of using transit, such as saving time and money.

During Try Transit Week, Virginians were encouraged to visit www.trytransitweek.com to learn more about the transit options available and to pledge to try a form of transit other than driving alone. Each pledge to try transit was automatically entered into the contest to win a one- year, free transit pass.

For the second straight year, a Loudoun County Commuter bus rider won the contest. Debbie Haught of Ashburn was randomly selected to win the one-year, free transit pass.

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) conducts the annual statewide event to encourage Virginians to try all forms of transit including bus, rail, carpools, vanpools and telework. Officials say taking transit can help an average family save more than $9,000 a year. Encouraging the use of transit also is important to help reduce highway congestion, harmful emissions in the environment and the high cost of commuting.

More information on the Loudoun County Commuter Bus system as well as other locally available commuting options is available on the Loudoun County Web site at www.loudoun.gov/bus.