They say virtue is its own reward, and you could argue that taking the SmartCommute Challenge is its own reward, too.
But if it isn't -- if the experience of biking or carpooling or catching the bus is not enticing enough -- there are prizes at stake. Does that sound more rewarding?
The idea behind this six-week, three-county campaign is a simple and proven one. Give lots of people incentives to leave the car at home and experiment with other ways of getting to work, and some of this will stick. Some people will actually change their habits.
This really works. Frequently when I interview some Triangle commuter reading the paper on the way to the office, it turns out that he or she first got the bus-riding bug in a previous SmartCommute campaign.
Here's how it works:
From April 15 through May 30, any employee or college student who commutes to work or campus in Wake, Durham, or Orange County can participate. To enter the Challenge, make
your online pledge that at least once before May 30 you will carpool,
vanpool, bike or walk, ride the bus, or telework (work from home).Everyone who takes the Challenge will be entered into a drawing to win one of several PRIZES, including $2,500 cash!
That's pretty simple. The website helps you figure out how you actually can ride a bike or a bus or join a vanpool etc., and of course it talks about those prizes. The campaign started last Wednesday, and 1501 people have signed up so far at the website.
Good luck and have fun.
Bruce Siceloff reports on traffic and transportation. A News & Observer reporter and editor since 1976, he took over the 
