Commuter Challenge 2023

During the 2023 Commuter Challenge, which ran May 1 – May 31, 273 people logged 5,900 alternative commutes. The Commuter Challenge encouraged individuals to form teams with their coworkers to try an alternative commute such as walking, biking, or taking the bus.

“We’re proud of everyone who took the Commuter Challenge as an opportunity to try a new way to commute. Those that participated in our challenge saved 62 times the amount of greenhouse gas than they produced,” Lilliane Webb, getDowntown Program Director said. “We thank everyone who participated and hope their efforts inspire more people to use alternative transportation in the greater Ann Arbor area. We also want to extend a special thank you to all of the local businesses who helped support the challenge this year.”

By logging their first commute, participates automatically received a free scoop of ice cream from The Washtenaw Dairy. Additionally, thirteen individuals won gift cards to area businesses by logging their commutes or engaging with one of the social media challenges during the Commuter Challenge.

Workplace teams that recorded the highest percentage of co-workers to log an alternative commute won group prizes. We congratulate the following organizations:

• 2-20 employees: Michigan Association of Planning
• 21-49 employees: Atomic Object
• 50-100 employees: Mathematical Reviews
• 101+ employees: Ann Arbor District Library

The goal of the Commuter Challenge is to help people who work in the greater Ann Arbor area commute via walking, biking, carpooling, vanpooling, and taking the bus and continue to do so after the competition. The Commuter Challenge is organized by the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) and the getDowntown Program in partnership with the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and the City of Ann Arbor.