Commuters Share Five Million Mile Ride

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Chevron 5,000,000 Mile Rideshare Challenge has achieved its target in just twelve months, with commuters in the Greater Washington, D.C., area saving 2,300 metric tons of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the process.

The web-based rideshare program matched 5,874 riders and drivers in Virginia, Maryland and D.C., to help alleviate traffic congestion and conserve fuel. As a result, 237,000 gallons of gasoline was saved, 5,216,500 fewer miles were driven and 200,000 cars journeys were saved.

The success of the program comes as the percentage of individuals who drive alone in the United States has reached a record high of nearly 80 percent, according to transportation statistics, while traditional carpooling, transit and other alternatives have experienced a steady decline for decades.

The Chevron Challenge is part of Chevron’s partnership with NuRide, Inc., the nation’s first incentive-based rideshare network. NuRide’s own research showed that 60 per cent of Rideshare members drove to work alone prior to joining the network and fewer than 4 per cent used mass transit as a commute option.

“We are proud that the Chevron 5,000,000 Mile Rideshare Challenge has reached its goal and at the same time rewarded Washington D.C. area commuters for conserving energy and reducing emissions,” said vice president Lisa Barry, head of Chevron’s Washington D.C. office. “The success of the program demonstrates our belief that energy efficiency and conservation -- whether through ridesharing or other forms -- provide the easiest, cheapest and most dependable source of ’new’ energy available today.”

Tim Kaine, governor of Virginia, commented: “Transportation is an important part of our economic vitality and quality of life, which is why programs like Chevron’s 5,000,000 Mile Rideshare challenge are so important. These programs reduce congestion on our roads and emissions while conserving energy.”

NuRide’s online service lets individuals find the ideal partner with whom to share a single ride for work or pleasure. NuRide members also earn points for every ridesharing trip, which can be redeemed for rewards and special offers from participating sponsors. For the Chevron Challenge, two dozen sponsors joined Chevron and NuRide to provide over $200,000 in rewards to participating commuters with rewards ranging from restaurant and retailer gift cards, to dinner cruises, theatre tickets, ski lift tickets, golf outings and even limo rides through the Virginia wine country.

Chevron is investing across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of today’s alternative and renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency. Since 2002, Chevron Corporation through its various subsidiaries has invested more than $2 billion in renewable and alternative energy projects and in delivering energy efficiency solutions. Focus areas include energy efficiency geothermal, hydrogen, biofuels, advanced batteries, as well as solar technologies.