Chicago RTA, advocacy group launch commuter challenge
drivelesslivemore.com allows commuters to track their modes of travel, see how they can reduce carbon emissions and become eligible for prizes such as transit rides, a folding bike and a Chicago “Stay-cation” hotel package.
The Chicago Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and the Active Transportation Alliance issued a challenge to northeastern Illinois commuters aiming to reduce single-car occupancy and increase healthier travel modes, such as transit and biking.
The recently launched campaign is called "drive less. live more." More than 320 people and 17 companies have already signed up to participate.
Through drivelesslivemore.com, the Web-based challenge allows commuters to track their modes of travel, see how they can reduce carbon emissions and become eligible for prizes such as transit rides, a folding bike and a Chicago “Stay-cation” hotel package. Walking, carpooling and vanpooling are travel modes promoted as alternatives to driving alone in addition to transit and biking.
“The most effective way to reduce air pollution is to reduce the number of commuters on the region’s roads,” said RTA Executive Director Joe Costello. “The 'drive less. live more.' campaign is a friendly competition to promote travel options, such as our vast transit network and numerous bike-friendly paths and lanes available in the region.”
Challenge participants can register either as companies or individuals. Six challenges will occur now through August, 2013. The first challenge, “TransitWorks,” is now accepting teams. The challenge runs throughout the first week of December.
Companies compete with other companies based on their size and category. A company wins if it has the highest percentage of employees logging an eligible commute to work in its category during the challenge time-frame. The winning team receives public recognition, a virtual winner’s certificate, and the satisfaction of being the healthiest and greenest workplace in northeastern Illinois.
More Bus

Frontrunner Bus Group Expands with New Massachusetts Headquarters
The significantly larger facility will provide the infrastructure needed to support the company’s growing workforce, advanced technologies, and expanding product line.
Read More →
Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility
In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.
Read More →
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue
The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.
Read More →
When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.
Read More →
Photo Highlights from APTA's 2026 Mobility Conference
The photo gallery captures scenes from the conference, including the International Bus Roadeo, exhibit hall activities, the Bus Showcase, and much more.
Read More →
Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin
Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Approves Annual Transit Service Plan
Between 2021 and 2024, SEPTA held more than 200 public meetings — including 144 in-person sessions — throughout the SEPTA service region.
Read More →A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone
As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.
Read More →
WMATA Debuts 'Fares Pay for Service' Awareness Campaign
The campaign was highlighted during a media event at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring, where WMATA’s GM/CEO Randy Clarke joined Metro Transit Police officers, WMATA management team, board members, and staff to expand fare enforcement and customer education efforts on Metro Bus routes throughout the region.
Read More →