Rideshare Week is here and it’s the perfect time to be a part of a new social network! Beginning today and continuing through Friday, the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) and Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) are encouraging commuters all across Ventura County to join together and make a new connection: Rideshare.

Through alternative modes of transportation such as carpooling, vanpooling, telecommuting, public transit, biking, or walking, commuters are taking part in reducing emissions and keeping our environment clean and beautiful. During Rideshare Week, participants will utilize social media to share their “green” commute by tagging #VCTCRSW2014 and making new ridesharing connections. It’s a social network you can feel good about joining.

Added bonuses are this year’s prizes. All who pledge will have the opportunity to win Apple iPad tablets, iPods, iTunes gift cards, and VISA gift cards. The top 5 employers will also receive a special prize.

“Sharing the ride is ‘networking’ to reduce congestion and air pollution,” said VCAPCD Air Quality Specialist Judy Willens. “Make a difference by driving less whenever you can use another option. When you create a rideshare network during Rideshare Week, you can save money by travelling together. It’s a network that you can continue to use throughout the year and a simple way to keep Ventura County healthy.”

Commuters who connect through Rideshare Week will receive support from their employers and the VCTC and VCAPCD. They can stay updated online by following both organizations on their Twitter (@goVentura and @vcapcd) and Facebook pages (GoVentura and The AirZone). Additionally, the first 1,000 participants to submit pledge cards will automatically win a $5.00 Starbucks eGift Card. Pledge cards can be submitted in hard copy or completed online by visiting www.GoVenturaRideshare.org. Pledges are due to employer representatives no later than October 10, 2014 while pledges submitted directly to VCTC (either online or by fax or mail) must be received no later than October 17, 2014.

“Nobody enjoys a stressful commute, so why not consider an alternative?” said Alan Holmes, VCTC’s Commuter Services Program Manager. “The fact is, you don’t have to rideshare every day, but once you try it, we believe you’ll discover the benefits.”

Everyone should be able to live in a more breathable, stress-free environment. Rideshare Week helps get us there.