AUGUSTA - The GO MAINE statewide ride-sharing program is expanding its push for environmentally friendly, green travel choices in its biggest, most robust initiative to date.
Previously focused on the work commute, the expanded GO MAINE program now has a broader vision, showcasing a variety of smarter, lower impact transportation choices for every trip Mainers make. Trip reduction strategies such as walking, biking, using public transportation, carpooling, and working from home help reduce vehicle-miles traveled, a key goal of the Maine Climate Council's Maine Won't Wait climate action plan.
To date, nearly 10,000 Mainers have signed up for the program and dozens of organizations have incorporated GO MAINE as part of their cultures.
In addition to continuing its signature, green commuting recruitment tools, GO MAINE is introducing several exciting, innovative programs for 2022. Those programs include:
- GO MAINE's Access-Anywhere Online "Trip Planner" GO MAINE members can access an interactive mobile app with a Trip Planner that can generate a list of green travel options for any route in Maine. A free resource for both daily commuters and anyone traveling in the state, the Trip Planner provides details on carpools, vanpools, local transit, mass transit, Park & Ride options, designated bicycle routes, and more.
- New Employee Rewards and Incentive Programs to Benefit Employers Dozens of Maine organizations have made GO MAINE an appealing aspect of their cultures, and the green commute program plans to recruit many more. GO MAINE now offers expanded employee outreach and reward programs with more incentives, prizes, monthly drawings, seasonal promotions, and employer outreach opportunities.
- Doubling Down on the Way2GO MAINE Challenge Way2GO MAINE will be in May and October this year. GO MAINE's highly successful How Green Can You Go competition is now a twice-yearly event. Way2GO MAINE gives green commuters and employers a chance to up their alternative travel games; build their own company teams; and vie for incentives, prizes, and bragging rights. This year's top prizes include Maine State Park vehicle passes, a Lumos bike helmet, a National Parks interagency annual pass, and gift cards! Details on May's Way2GO MAINE happenings are coming soon.
With our current high gas prices, GO MAINE provides members a great opportunity to save money. Those taking advantage of the program can also reap additional financial benefits through GO MAINE's reward system, earning reward points that add up to money-saving offers from local and national businesses, stores, and restaurants.
GO MAINE carpooling commuters also qualify for GO MAINE's Emergency Ride Home Benefit. In the event of a qualified emergency, GO MAINE covers the cost of a ride home from work, a special plus for businesses with participating employees.
"Whoever you are and wherever you're going in Maine, GO MAINE offers travel options that are a win for individuals, for organizations, and for the environment," said Dale Doughty, Director of the Maine Department of Transportation's Bureau of Planning. "We'd like everyone to know that GO MAINE offers the greenest possible trip solution for you, no matter where you're headed, every day and every way."
GO MAINE is a program of the Maine Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority. All GO MAINE programs and services are free. More information on the GO MAINE program can be found at GoMaine.org. Organizations interested in organizing their own GO MAINE program are welcome to contact Emily Becker, Program Manager, at emily@gomaine.org.