Use these advertising techniques in your commute program to sell the idea of carpooling, vanpooling,
riding bus or rail, bicycling or walking to work.

"No-risk free trial"

   If you can get your employees to try ridesharing, they'll often "buy" ridesharing. Metrolink offers employers 4-ticket passes at no cost for employees new to transit. You can get free passes from Metro for your new hires. Check with your local provider to see if they give free passes.

   Huntington Hospital had an innovative idea to get employees to try vanpooling: The hospital leased one van and allowed targeted groups of employees to each use it to vanpool for a month. After the trial period was over, many of the groups decided to lease vans on their own and continue vanpooling. They’d never have given vanpooling a chance if they thought they’d have to commit for the long haul.

"Limited time offer"

   There’s something about knowing the clock is ticking that makes people act on something when they’d otherwise procrastinate.

   How can you make this work for your rideshare program? The City of Pasadena rideshare office sent a coupon to employees: on a specific date and time, the first 25 non-transit riders to contact the ETC by email or phone would receive a free transit pass—but once they were gone, they were gone. Employees raced to pick up the passes in record time.

Sweepstakes

   Sweepstakes have been used for decades to generate enthusiasm. To get employees pumped up about ridesharing, hold raffles in which program participants can win prizes, whether on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. Of course, the more lavish the prizes, the more you’ll pique employees’ interest, but even inexpensive prizes can be a lure.

   Short on budget? Local merchants will often donate free food or products in exchange for some publicity on a flyer or your web site. Some of the most tempting prizes don’t cost a thing—like a day off with pay or a reserved parking space close to the building.

Testimonials

   Whenever possible, get employees to sell your rideshare program for you. Hearing Bob from accounting say, "I saved $20 last month on gas by carpooling" can often carry more weight than hearing the same thing from a rideshare staffer.

   Profile ridesharers in your company newsletter. Ask an employee to say a few words at a staff meeting about the joys of vanpooling. The Aerospace Corp. recruits employees that regularly ride transit to work the booths at rideshare fares so they can talk to coworkers directly about their experiences.

Bonus gift with "purchase"

   Who doesn’t like free stuff?

   Your local rideshare agencies offer your employees who rideshare freebies including gift cards and/or discounts for shopping, restaurants, theaters and more—click here find out more about rebates & incentives in your area.

   Also be sure to remind employees that they can show their transit pass to receive discounts at many area sporting events and entertainment venues. Most participating transit providers list current discounts on their web sites, including Metrolink, Metro and Orange County Transportation Authority.