Connecticut wants you to drive less. Here's why

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — In honor of Earth Day Tuesday, leaders with the Connecticut Department of Transportation announced the start of their Drive Less Connecticut Challenge.
The challenge encourages everyone in the state to drive less and try more environmentally-friendly transportation options instead.
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'This Earth Day, it is important to all of us to recognize and address the harmful impact of greenhouse gases on our air quality and climate. This campaign asks all Connecticut's residents to do whatever they can to drive less and use greener alternatives wherever they need to go,' DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said.
Officials hope by driving less, people will also reduce their overall expenses associated with owning and using a vehicle, while also easing traffic congestion.
They're challenging people to do this through May 31, during which time people who record their eligible trips on CTrides app could win prizes.
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By the numbers, officials want to eliminate 35,000 car trips, save $375,000 on gas and car maintenance, and reduce the travel by single-occupant vehicles by 550,000 miles.
For every 17 car trips eliminated, one tree will also be planted through a partnership with One Tree Planted, with a maximum number of trees set at 2,000.
'The transportation sector continues to be the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions and asthma-causing air pollution in our state. 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,' Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes said.
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Download the CTrides app or go to CTrides.com/DLC to set up a free account and start recording any eligible trips to win a prize. The app also offers different features- like a trip planner that gives residents travel options to destinations throughout Connecticut.
For more information and to sign up and start tracking, visit CTrides.com/DLC.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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