The SANDAG Diamond Awards Reception Officially Kicks off Rideshare Week September 30 – October 4
San Diego County CA—The SANDAG Diamond Awards reception celebrated employers all over San Diego County on Thursday for embracing methods to reduce traffic and greenhouse gas emissions.
One-hundred-thirty-one employers countywide were treated to a luncheon hosted by the SANDAG iCommute program at the San Diego Central Library. The Diamond Awards recipients were recognized for their outstanding efforts to encourage employees to use environmentally sustainable transportation choices.
“SANDAG is proud to recognize employers in the region that offer significant benefits including adding bike racks, showers, or dedicated carpool and vanpool spaces to work sites, and even subsidies and pre-tax incentives,” said SANDAG Vice Chair and Encinitas Mayor Catherine Blakespear. “It’s exciting to see such a large increase year to year in the commitment to improving the quality of life in the San Diego region.”
For the first time ever, the SANDAG iCommute program recognized more than 100 employers, increasing nearly 40% with 131 recipients in 2019.
The Diamond Awards are administered by the SANDAG iCommute program, which provides a variety of services to commuters and employers to help reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
Employers who receive Diamond Awards are recognized for their efforts to promote alternatives to driving alone, including carpool, vanpool, biking, walking, transit, teleworking, and compressed workweek schedules. Some organizations also provide incentives, subsidies, or pre-taxed deductions to support their employees’ participation.
On Thursday, 24 local companies were presented with a plaque for a Platinum Diamond Award, the highest award level. See a full list of Platinum Diamond Awards recipients below.
Starting Monday, September 30, employers around the region will encourage their employees to reimagine their commute and try ridesharing during Rideshare Week 2019, powered by Waze Carpool.
From September 30 to October 4, the SANDAG iCommute program has partnered with Waze Carpool, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), North County Transit District (NCTD), Circuit, Commute with Enterprise, and Lyft to encourage commuters to try alternative transportation methods.
During Rideshare Week, Waze Carpool will offer $1 carpool rides all week long. Any trip starting or ending in San Diego County will be $1 through the app; no promo code required. Commuters who prefer to drive are encouraged to offer up empty seats and receive up to $0.58 cents per mile from Waze Carpool to cover the cost of gas for carpool trips taken from September 30 to October 4.
On Wednesday, October 2, during Rideshare Week, the region’s transit systems will host Free Ride Day in conjunction with California Clean Air Day. Commuters can take free rides on all MTS and NCTD fixed-routes including buses, the Trolley, SPRINTER, and COASTER. MTS Access, NCTD LIFT and Amtrak R2R trains are not part of this promotion.
Lyft will also offer 20% off two Lyft Shared rides during Rideshare Week with promo code SDRSW19.
Nearly 100 local employers have registered for Rideshare Week on the SANDAG iCommute website to encourage employees to try a carpool, vanpool, or a transit commute. Employers who register for Rideshare Week are provided with a toolkit of promotional materials and also earn a Diamond Awards point.
Commuters who share their story on the SANDAG iCommute Facebook page during Rideshare Week will be entered to win an iPad.
To learn more about Rideshare Week and the Waze Carpool promotion, visit: iCommuteSD.com/Rideshare
To learn more about the SANDAG iCommute program, visit iCommuteSD.com.