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Three Ways to Celebrate Car Free Day with ConnectSmart

Getting around the Greater Houston Area is no easy feat, so it’s no wonder 75% of Houstonians find themselves driving to work each day (and nearly all of them alone). But today there are more options than ever to driving alone, and the ConnectSmart app makes it easy for you to check them out and give them a try. Here are three great options to celebrate ‘Car Free Day’ this Friday, September 22nd (the last one earns you a $5 GIFT CARD!)



Take Transit

Instructions for ConnectSmart Wallet.

ConnectSmart can help you find the best bus or light rail route AND purchase the appropriate ticket in just a few taps! Even better, check your ConnectSmart Wallet--if you have Tokens in your account, you can use them to pay for METRO tickets! That’s right--you can exchange your Tokens for transit tickets as a thank you for choosing greener modes and helping to reduce traffic congestion.


Ride your bike (or someone else’s!)


When it comes to going green, two wheels are better than four. Here are two bike-friendly ConnectSmart features you can’t get anywhere else:


Bike Comfort Score

Bike Comfort Score

When planning a bicycle trip in ConnectSmart, you’ll see a Comfort Score for each route. That’s because ConnectSmart’s unique routing system includes Houston’s High Comfort Bikeways, which offer greater protection and separation from the vehicles on the road. The higher the Comfort Score, the more bicycle-friendly and safer the route is!










Bikeshare Rentals

Bikeshare Rentals on map.

Don’t have a bike, or don’t have yours with you at the moment? No problem! ConnectSmart lets you easily find a nearby BCycle bikeshare station so you can rent a bike and be on your way. When planning a transit trip in your Trip Planner you can also choose routes that include a BCycle station to increase your options when getting around.










Carpool (and earn a $5 gift card!)


Ok, you got us! Technically, carpooling isn’t “car free,” but every passenger on board equals one less car on the road! You can easily find someone to carpool with using ConnectSmart’s social carpooling feature. Join a carpooling group or form your own and invite friends, family, coworkers, and more to share rides! Already have plans to carpool? Use the app’s Instant Carpool feature to record your carpool trip this Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and you’ll earn 5 Coins that you can spend on transit tickets, future carpools, or even a digital gift card in the ConnectSmart Wallet!


Here’s how to take an Instant Carpool:



Drivers, enter your origin and destination, then present the QR code to your carpool passengers to scan with their ConnectSmart app to confirm they’re aboard.

Instant Carpool Instructional Images for Drivers


Riders, simply scan your driver’s QR code. Buckle up--you’re ready to roll!

Instant Carpool Instructional Images for Passengers

Here are some more details on this offer:

  • Drivers and passengers will each earn 5 Coins as a reward for completing at least one Instant Carpool between September 22-25.

  • Qualifying Instant Carpools can be taken anywhere in the Greater Houston area.

  • Your 5 coins will be added to your account within 24 hours of your taken, qualifying Instant Carpool trip.

Thanks for doing your part to reduce traffic and your carbon footprint!



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