TVA Takes Title in Smart Trips 2013 X-Treme Commuter Challenge

Tennessee Valley Authority won the Smart Trips 2013 X-Treme Commuter Challenge in a hotly contested battle.

TVA bested 41 opposing companies to take the title by registering 48 new participants and logging more than 1,500 smart trips during the four-week competition.

"This year's Challenge was inspiring," says Smart Trips coordinator Alisa Ashouri. "Some of our Employer Transportation Coordinators outdid themselves trying to get their employees enthused and actively participating. The gloves were definitely off!"

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Oak Ridge National Laboratory were locked in a dead heat for second place and forced the judges to go to a tiebreaker. ORNL was named the runner up because its employees reduced more pounds of CO2 during the Challenge than GMCR's employees, who took third.

Though significantly outnumbered by Knox County, the City of Knoxville's team rallied in the final week of the Challenge to overtake the County at the finish line and grab fourth place.

Business and individual winners of the Commuter Challenge and winners of the earlier Downtown Window Display contest were honored at a reception held at the Mary Boyce Temple House on West Hill Avenue in Knoxville on November 12.

Individual prizes included dinner for two to Cafe 4, $50 and $100 gift cards to Best Buy, Osprey Messenger bags, iPad Minis, and a $1,500 vacation package courtesy of AAA Travel. Winners from the top two business teams are eligible to audition for starring roles in Smart Trips next promotional video.

"The Commuter Challenge helps increase Smart Trips' program participation while improving air quality," explains Program Manager, Kelley Segars. "This year's event was held in the fall to coincide with health fairs run by several local employers. Getting our message out at the fairs was a success. Participation numbers were up and everyone really got into it."

Smart Trips is a regional program that promotes alternatives to driving alone and helps commuters find carpool partners, bike and transit buddies, save money on gas, and help the environment. More information about the Commuter Challenge and Smart Trips is available at www.knoxsmarttrips.org.