Drive Less In CT, Win A Prize: State Launches Green Travel Challenge

CONNECTICUT — The Connecticut Department of Transportation on Monday launched the 2025 Drive Less Connecticut Challenge, urging residents to reduce vehicle use in favor of greener, more sustainable transportation options. The initiative, which began on Earth Day, runs through May 31.

The six-week campaign encourages motorists to record their non-driving trips on the CTrides app for a chance to win prizes while contributing to environmental goals. This year’s targets include eliminating 35,000 car trips, saving $375,000 in fuel and maintenance costs, and cutting 550,000 miles of travel by single-occupant vehicles. For every 17 car trips avoided, a tree will be planted through a partnership with the nonprofit One Tree Planted, with a maximum of 2,000 trees.

“Single-occupant vehicles are one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions,” said CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “With continued investments to our infrastructure, expanded bus services, and new pilot programs, we are making public transportation easier and more convenient to use. ”

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes echoed that sentiment. "The transportation sector continues to be the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions and asthma-causing air pollution in our state," she said. "This challenge is a great opportunity for residents to consider their transportation habits and the impact they can make by taking actions to reduce emissions such as biking, walking, utilizing public transportation, and carpooling and vanpooling."

The Drive Less Connecticut Challenge is free to join. Participants can register online here or via the CTrides app, where they can track their trips and view collective progress toward the campaign’s goals. Weekly updates and prize eligibility information will be shared throughout the challenge.