NuRide rewards alternatives to SOV

A free online service known as NuRide is promoting “green” mobility by giving restaurant coupons, store discounts, and other rewards to people who car-pool, van-pool, bicycle, walk, telecommute, or take public transportation instead of driving alone. Based in Essex, Connecticut, NuRide asks people to enroll at nuride.com and record their trips. In return, participants earn points that can be used with a variety of businesses.

The company signs up governments, employers, and businesses as sponsors. More than 47,000 people are participating. NuRide currently operates in San Antonio; Houston; Richmond and Hampton Roads, Virginia; metropolitan Washington, DC; metropolitan New York; and Connecticut. NuRide claims to have eliminated 108 million miles of driving and 49,507 tons of emissions since its inception in 2004. The service can be used for any kind of trip, not just commuting. Members reportedly have redeemed more than $2.6 million in rewards.