The Metro is reopening on Sept. 9, but Commuter Connections is giving commuters a new reason to keep using alternatives to driving to work alone.
Commuter Connections and the Maryland Transportation Institute at the University of Maryland jointly launched incenTrip, a new mobile app that helps commuters save time, money, and fuel while earning rewards for planning trips. And those rewards can turn into cash.
"The incenTrip app recommends the best travel mode, departure time, and route based on real-time traffic prediction data and user-personal preferences to help commuters avoid both day-to-day congestion and traffic jams caused by accidents, work zones, special events, and adverse weather conditions," according to Commuter Connections.
With the app, commuters can earn rewards points every time they plan trips to and from work, avoid traffic, or use alternatives to drive-alone commuting, such as carpooling, walking, bicycling, or taking transit.
Commuters who use the app during rush hours can redeem rewards points for cash from Commuter Connections.
The app provides users a fun and game-like environment, where they can accomplish customized weekly goals, win challenges, and invite friends to participate.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy funded the incenTrip project with a $4.5 million grant. The National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration also provided funding for early stages of incenTrip’s technical development.
Commuters can download the app in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
