Valley Metro’s 25th Annual Rideshare Month

Today’s post is by Suzanne Day about the upcoming program for Rideshare Month put on by Valley Metro.

Suzanne is a Business Service Representative of Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority in Phoenix, Arizona.  Suzanne has worked in Transportation Demand Management since 1990.  Prior to working for Valley Metro, she was the Executive Director of the Central Avenue Transportation Management Association in Phoenix.

Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communication from Arizona State University.  A lifelong Phoenix resident, Suzanne enjoys hiking, cooking, and a relaxing commute on the bus.  She served on the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Bicycle & Pedestrian Task Force, and has been a leader of Girl Scout Troop 1360 since 2001.

Having worked in downtown Phoenix since 1979, Suzanne has a special passion for “Cen Pho,” and is delighted to contribute to the area’s energy whenever possible.

What do speed dating on Valley Metro buses, prize patrols and carpooling parties have in common?  All are part of Valley Metro’s annual Rideshare Month promotion to increase awareness of sustainable transportation such as riding the bus or light rail, carpooling, vanpooling, biking, walking or teleworking.  This year marks the 25th annual celebration of Rideshare Month, which runs February 1 – 28.

Rideshare Month encourages everyone to try alternative modes of transportation at least one day per week to save money and reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

To kick-off Rideshare Month, Valley commuters and Blooming Rock readers are invited to Valley Metro’s Rideshare Month event in downtown Phoenix on Friday, February 4 at Cityscape, 1 E. Jefferson, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  If riding METRO light rail, exit at the 1st Ave/Jefferson or Central/Washington stations.

There will be live entertainment by local bands Peachcake and Mill’s End performing their Valley Metro Notes* songs, carpool matching, transit route assistance, bike and pedestrian safety information, and light refreshments.   Attendees who complete a ride share pledge form will be entered to win great prizes including: a 32” LCD TV; a Friday’s Front Row VIP table for 5 with $100 dining credit and choice of AZ Diamondbacks game, a Gold’s Gym 3-month membership, lunch for 2 at Vitamin T and more!

Rideshare Month participation is free and open to all Valley residents and commuters.  Wouldn’t it be fun if residents got involved in a neighborhood challenge to increase alternative mode usage?  A similar program is running February 13 – 18 for companies in Maricopa County’s Trip Reduction Program.  If interested, please contact Suzanne Day at sday@valleymetro.org or 602.253.6063.

*A note on Notes:  Notes is a series of animated music videos, recorded by local bands, to help educate the public about the Valley Metro system and other environmentally-friendly modes of travel. The featured song for February is “I Wanna Try 1 in 5” by Peachcake. Watch for a new Notes video each month in 2011. Check out the videos here.

For more information about Rideshare Month or Valley Metro’s commuter services, attend the kickoff event or visit www.valleymetro.org.

Photo Credit:  Bikes on the mend at Slippery Pig Bike Shop.  Photo by Taz Loomans.

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