The primary purpose of the State Parking Division in the Department of Administration is to provide and maintain parking spaces for use by employees and citizens. We also encourage and facilitate use of alternative transportation through such programs as the GoPass and TTA VanPools.
A new incentive is available to encourage more folks to try alternative transportation, as well as reward those who already do. Now through May 15, state employees in Durham, Orange and Wake counties are encouraged to participate in the annual SmartCommute Challenge.
Taking the SmartCommunite Challenge for 2010 is simple. All you have to do is pledge to ride the bus, bike (traditional bike or electric scooter), walk, vanpool, carpool or work from home at least once before May 15. You could win a wide range of prizes, including cash, a foldable bike or a laptop.
Several DOA employees already have registered to participate in the environmentally-friendly challenge. Cheryl Poyner of Veterans Affairs commutes with her husband, Danny, who works for the Department of Correction, and their daughter, Rebecca Squires, works for Facility Management. They have carpooled for nearly four years, saving on gas, vehicle wear-and-tear and even insurance and taxes, since each family now has just one car.
Jennifer and Grant Braley, who work for State Construction and Purchase & Contract, respectively, also share the ride. It reduces their travel costs and increases family time, as they both get to drop off and pick up their toddler at daycare.
Alternative transportation can work for you, too. To learn more about SmartCommute or to take the 2010 pledge, visit http://www.smartcommutechallenge.org/.