Go-Tober | Smart Commute Metro North

Welcome / Overview – Julia Ferguson, Adams County
(Start- 2:33)

Go-tober, how you can compete to earn prizes, and reduce traffic at our workplaces.

Adams County supports a lot of sustainabilty policies and developments, including a 2030 plan to move forward in reducing waste, energy consumption, and vehicle miles travelled in order to create a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment.

Main Presentation – Catherine and Will from Smart Commute Metro North

Introduction to Go-Tober (2:34 – 5:42)

Go-tober is a regional competition between competing employers to reduce traffic impact and increase commuter satisfaction by encouraging employees to try alternate methods of commuting at least 4 days in October.

Eligible methods for this challenge include biking, carpooling, tranist, vanpool, teleworking, and walking.

Companies across the region will be competing with other companies based on modes of transit available at worksites and number of employees. Approximately 40 companies from the Denver area.

Great prizes will be available for individuals for logging trips and sharing on social media.  Be sure to encourage trip logging so everyone participating in the challenge is counted!

*Note: 5:43-6:22 there is no audio – be patient, it returns!

Logging Trips (6:23 – 8:33)

1.  Head to https://mywaytogo.org/s/adams-county
2. Log in or register
3. Use the calendar to log your trips in the dashboard.

Available on both mobile and desktop. Multiple days’ worth of trips can conveniently be logged at time.

It isn’t necessary to include information in the “where did you go” section or the time fields, though these may help you to prevent entering duplicate information.

Company Scoring (8:34 – 11:00)

Companies come against others with similar transit-service levels. (Urban vs. urban, suburban vs. suburban, etc.)

Also scored using the Effort Index, making it possible for large and possible companies to compete in a fair way. (Equation included in video.) Acknowledges the difficulty of generating employee involvement in larger companies.

Remember: trips must be logged to be credited for the competition!

Prizes (11:01 – 12:28)

Surprise & Delights – Earned by companies for placing first in their category for a week. (Limit 1 per company) May include visit from a video game truck, bike tune-ups and massage, yard games, and more.

Prizes can also be won by sharing images through social media using the tag #WayToGoTober on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Be sure to set privacy settings to public!

Resources for Smarter Commuting (12:29 – 19:47)

The same site for logging Go-Tober can also be used for commute planning. Easily find nearby carpool options, transit routes, and more.

Biking is ideal for commutes of 5 miles of less without obstruction from major geographic features or highways.
Resources: mywaytogo.org, Google Maps, adcogov.org > trail map

Riding RTD is ideal for people who are along the direct route to your workplace, without needing a transfer. If you do need to transfer look for at least one leg on a high speed, high frequency route.
Resources: mywaytogo.org, rtd-denver.com. Look up the route on MyWayToGo first, then research. You can also use the RTD app to see real-time data.
Tips: Have exact change ($2.60 or $4.50) or buy a book of tickets ahead of time.

Carpooling is best for people not on RTD routes, not able to bike because of distance or barriers, or for those who prefer the convenience of a car.
Resources: mywaytogo.org, conversation around the office
Tips: If you’re meeting with someone you don’t know well, meet them for coffee first, see if you’re compatible before stuck in a car together.

Go sign up at mywaytogo.org now! Be sure to log trips by Friday to be counted in weekly score updates, and don’t forget about the option to post to social media for more prizes.

Q&A (19:48 – 22:27)

Q: Is there a preference or scoring weight for particular modes of transportation?
A: No, all alternatives count equally.

Q: What if employees commute alternatively more than 4 times? Should they log them?
A: Yes, log them! Though they won’t count toward the company scores it will help support and build the program.

Q: What social media platforms are used for the prize drawings?
A: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter all work, though you must make sure it’s marked as publicly viewable so those managing the challenge can find you.

Closing (22:28 – End)

If you have questions about Go-Tober connect with Julia, Catherine, or Will (email addresses available in the video.)