Ventura, CA - Rideshare Week begins next Monday, October 7, and there’s no better time to give ridesharing a try! Simply submit a pledge card identifying how you plan to share the ride next week and you will be entered to win one of five iPad mini tablets or a host of other attractive prizes.

The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), in partnership with the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD), is sponsoring its annual Rideshare Week from October 7 to 11 and has invited all employers and commuters in the county to participate. This year’s theme, “Any Day is a Good Day to Rideshare,” emphasizes that carpooling, vanpooling, or riding public transit even just a few times a week has benefits for the individual commuter as well as Ventura County as a whole.

“Rideshare Week 2013 is gearing up to be our biggest promotion yet,” said Alan Holmes, VCTC’s Commuter Services Program Manager. “More people are getting involved and giving rideshare a try. We are hosting more on-site company events and giving out more prizes this year than ever before. The response has been tremendous and we are looking forward to increased participation by both individuals and employers.”

A broad range of free downloadable event and promotional resources are right at your fingertips. Visit www.GoVentura.org to access pledge cards, posters, and other rideshare-specific materials. Both individuals and businesses are eligible to win prizes. Pledge online or by mailing in a hardcopy pledge form. Online pledges are due by October 11, while all hardcopy pledge forms must be received by VCTC no later than October 15.

“We know it can be hard to change a habit, but the long-term effects of driving less have proven to yield positive results for the environment,” noted Judy Willens, Air Quality Specialist for the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District. “During Rideshare Week we encourage you to try ridesharing at least one day during the week. It may take some planning, but the benefits to the community and your wallet will be evident almost immediately.”

For more information regarding Rideshare Week, event kits, or ridesharing, visit VCTC’s website at www.GoVentura.org or call VCTC Commuter Services at (800) 438-1112.