Try Transit Week and Car Free Day encourage alternatives to driving

Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), the local bus company, will again participate in Try Transit Week and Car Free Day – two events that encourage people to find alternatives to driving solo.

The seventh annual Try Transit Week will be held September 21-25. The week-long educational event is designed to reduce the use of single-occupancy vehicles in favor of buses, trains, vanpools and ferries. Try Transit Week is organized by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).

“As our population expands and congestion grows in the Commonwealth, so does the demand for alternate modes of transportation,” said Jennifer Mitchell, DRPT director, in a press release.  “Each year, we see more people elect to leave the car at home and use public transportation to get to places like work, a restaurant, a doctor’s office – all while avoiding the hassle of driving through traffic.  This September, we invite those who have yet to use transit to experience how they can save time, gas, and money during Try Transit Week.” 

According to the American Public Transportation Association, the average household spends 18 cents of every dollar on transportation, and 94 percent of that goes to common car expenses.

Relying on public transit instead of the family car helps reduce these expenses, saving the average family up to $10,000 a year, the release said.

World Car Free Day also falls during Try Transit Week. On Tuesday, Sept. 22, motorists are encouraged to give up their cars for a day and use alternate modes of travel, including transit, biking, and walking. Car Free Day is sponsored locally by Commuter Connections.

Even if you already use transit or other modes of travel, you can take the pledges! For more information go to TryTransitWeek.org and CarFreeMetroDC.org.