CTDOT Asks Public to Drive Less

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the return of the Drive Less Connecticut (DLC) Challenge. Launching today on Earth Day, April 22, 2026, the DLC runs through May 31, 2026.

The annual Challenge encourages people across the state to rethink their daily travel by replacing solo car trips with cleaner, more affordable, and more sustainable options. Reducing single occupancy driving cuts harmful emissions, saves money, reduces roadway congestion, and supports a healthier Connecticut.

This year, the campaign has set its most ambitious targets yet: eliminating 36,750 car trips, cutting 575,000 miles of single-occupancy driving, saving participants $390,000 in gas and car maintenance costs, and preventing 490,000 pounds of harmful emissions. To further support environmental goals, the DLC will donate 1,000 trees through One Tree Planted to support reforestation projects across the country.

"The Drive Less Connecticut Challenge is a simple way for everyone in our state to make a meaningful impact," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Choosing public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking can help people save money while also reducing emissions. These actions help build a cleaner, safer, and more connected transportation future for our state."

"Carpools, vanpools, taking public transit, and biking or walking are 'drive less' solutions that are good for the environment and for the wallet, especially now with gas prices high," said Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes. "The Drive Less Connecticut Challenge shows how individual choices can add up to a significant statewide impact, reducing emissions, and supporting our climate and air quality goals. DEEP is proud to support this campaign, which encourages people to take meaningful, intentional everyday actions that protect the health of our communities and our environment."

To get started, visit CTrides.com/DLC to take the pledge. By signing up, participants will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $10 gift card. After registering, participants can download the CTrides app or log in online to begin tracking eligible trips, including bus, train, carpool, vanpool, microtransit, bike, or walk trips. The app also features a built-in trip planner to help users explore transit options anywhere in Connecticut.

A live dashboard on the CTrides app and at CTrides.com/DLC will track the Challenge's collective impact in real time. Participants will also receive weekly email updates with a personal breakdown of their recorded trips, their contributions toward campaign goals, and their current prize eligibility.

Participants who log eligible trips will be entered for a chance to win gift cards at every level: 10 or more trips for $50, 20 or more for $100, 30 or more for $250, and 50 or more trips for the $500 grand prize. All prizes are provided and distributed by Agile Mile. Winners will be selected by random drawing from each eligible tier after the Challenge closes on May 31.

To join the Challenge, track progress, and view results,visit CTrides.com/DLC.