California Rideshare Week

This year, 49 employers in the Irvine Spectrum participated in Rideshare Week 2009. Some of their employees tried ridesharing for the first time, while others were long-time rideshare participants who have discovered so many benefits to ridesharing that they won't return to driving alone.

Our thanks to all the commuters and employers who participated in Rideshare Week.

Prize Winners

These lucky commuters each won a $250 gift card in a random drawing

Jade Copple from Spectrum Pharmaceuticals has been making the one-way, 50 mile commute from Oceanside Train Station for over 3 years. He really enjoys the low-stress, beautiful ride along the coastline and mentioned that, "I can get work done while I'm riding." When asked how he will utilize his $250 gift card, Jade was enthusiastic about saying, "I want to buy something nice for my wife." Jade Copple....smart commuter, super smart husband!

Kat Hunter works for Blizzard Entertainment. She is an avid cyclist and bus rider. Kat bikes most days, however, she places her bike on the OCTA bike rack and hops on the bus whenever she needs to have less wind-blown hair attending meetings. When asked how she will use her $250 gift card, Kat replied, "to get my hair done." The moral of this story is you can ride your bike to work and still look great!

Employer Winner

Aaron Carter works for ICF Jones & Stokes and commutes from Laguna Niguel. He's been carpooling and riding the bus for the past 3 years. Most of the time, he commutes to work with his carpool partner.  However, when her schedule changes, Aaron jumps on an OCTA bus for a stress-free commute to work. "It (ridesharing) gives you more time to yourself." When asked how he'll use his $250 gift card, Aaron replied, "I'm going to take my fiancee and a few friends out." Aaron is probably tired of Dancing with the Stars jokes, so we won't go there.

Carrie Crozier is our ETC winner from Conestoga Rovers & Associates. She's been their ETC for over 2 years. Carrie promoted Rideshare Week this year by hanging posters in the breakroom, sending out e-mails to employees, and announcing Rideshare Week during staff meetings. During the year, she provides information on ridesharing to new employees and refers them to Spectrumotion's website for a free trial on Metrolink, the OCTA bus system, and free carpool matchlists. Carrie is using the $500 Rideshare Week prize "for a party for our employees." Congratulations to Conestoga Rovers & Associates!

ETC Winner Carrie Crozier (far right) accompanied by Conestoga Rovers & Associates' rideshare participants.