Employees are encouraged to take vanpools and other ridesharing options for better commutes
ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority has honored 10 local companies as Rideshare Champions for their participation in OCTA’s rideshare and vanpool programs, helping their employees with easier commutes to and from work, while in the process helping relieve traffic congestion and improve the environment.
OCTA officials handed out the awards during a rideshare event at its offices in Orange earlier this month.
“We all know how crowded Southern California freeways can get, and those who are making the effort to share the ride are helping all of us make those rush-hour commutes a little better,” said OCTA Chairman Tim Shaw, also a La Habra City Councilman. “Whether people are taking an OC Bus, or a vanpool or cycling and walking part of the way to work, they should be applauded for pursuing alternatives to driving alone.”
OCTA promotes rideshare opportunities throughout the year, including during Bike Month each May and a Dump the Pump event in June.
During a recent Rideshare Week in early October, more than 1,900 people signed up online pledging to share the ride.
Companies that received the first-ever Rideshare Champions awards from OCTA for the highest percentage of employees who pledged to participate in ridesharing were:
- Automobile Club of Southern California
- Taco Bell
- MicroVention Terumo
- Pacific Life Insurance
- City of Anaheim
Five other companies received awards for their loyalty in OCTA’s vanpool program, which pairs riders who make similar commutes to and from job sites so they can share the ride. Those companies who have participated for 10-plus years in the vanpool program are:
- Southern California Edison
- Griswold Industries
- Irvine Ranch Water District
- Knobbe Martens Law
- Medtronic
OCTA encourages people to consider alternate forms of transportation throughout the year. For more information on vanpool and rideshare programs, visit www.octa.net/rideshare.
