Gevalia Kaffe and Commuter Connections Partner to Encourage Ridesharing in the D.C. Community
Washington, D.C. (April 20, 2005) – According to the U.S. Census Bureau, residents in the Washington metropolitan region, specifically in Maryland and Virginia, face one of the longest commutes to work every day. And since 82% of all coffee is consumed in the morning, a good majority of these commuters probably need a cup of coffee to cope with this frustrating drive. Gevalia Kaffe, fine purveyor of European coffees, and Commuter Connections are working together to encourage commuters to take advantage of the area’s many rideshare programs while enjoying their morning cup of coffee.
To help kick-off the program, political rivals James Carville and Pat Buchanan today commuted together from the Loudoun County, Virginia Park and Ride location into Washington, D.C. in an effort to increase awareness among D.C. area residents to try alternate forms of transportation such as carpooling, vanpooling, and transit. No matter how much they disagree on politics, they would rather carpool than face the Washington traffic alone.
"Coffee is the one bright spot of the long and frustrating morning commute for many residents in the D.C. area who drive to work. Gevalia Kaffe wants commuters to look forward to their commute as much as their morning coffee," said Leona Lindner, category business director, Gevalia Kaffe. "We have partnered with Commuter Connections to encourage commuters to consider the option of ridesharing, such as carpooling or vanpooling, to alleviate the morning congestion and headaches."
In celebration of the program’s kick-off, Gevalia served free coffee to more than 700 commuters at three area Park and Ride locations. All Park and Ride commuters were greeted with a free Gevalia travel mug filled with fresh Gevalia coffee and given a sample of the gourmet coffee to brew at home. In addition to the Loudoun County, Virginia Park and Ride location (Dulles North Transit Center at Route 634 and Route 606, near the Dulles Greenway), coffee was also served at the Frederick County, Maryland Park and Ride (Urbana at I-270 and Route 80) and at the Prince George’s County, Maryland Park and Ride (I-95 and the Beltway).
During this campaign, Commuter Connections will also encourage area commuters to sign up for its Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program, which provides a free emergency ride home - up to four times a year - for commuters who rideshare, take public transportation, bicycle or walk to work at least twice a week. Commuters who sign up for the free GRH program or ridematching service will receive a Gevalia commuter travel mug and coffee sample through May 27, 2005.
"The goal is to entice as many solo driving commuters as possible to take advantage of this promotion and to convince them to change their daily travel habits, even if it is only one or two days a week, in order to reduce congestion in our region," said Sharon Affinito, chair of Commuter Connections and planner for Loudoun County Office of Transportation Services.
Contest, Prize and Details
Through this campaign, Gevalia and Commuter Connections will also conduct a contest entitled, "Ridesharing Top Ten with Commuter Connections and Gevalia" inviting entrants to submit up to three reasons why getting to work would be better with Gevalia Kaffe and Commuter Connections. Contestants are asked to share personal stories, humor and anecdotes about their ridesharing and commuter coffee experiences. Submissions will be compiled into a "Ridesharing Top Ten" list based on the entries received.
The Grand Prize Winner will receive a five day/four night trip to Kona, Hawaii where they will attend the 2005 Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition - one of the premier coffee tasting events in the world. Nine second prize winners will receive a Gevalia coffeemaker and Gevalia coffee.
To enter the contest and obtain complete rules and guidelines, visit www.commuterconnections.com/gevalia. For a written entry form and contest rules, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Attn: Commuter Connections "Ridesharing Contest" 777 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20002-4239. All contest entries must be received via e-mail or postmarked by May 27, 2005. No purchase is necessary. Entrants do not need to register for the Guaranteed Ride Home program to participate in the contest.
Commuter Connections and the Guaranteed Ride Home Program
In the Washington metropolitan region, Commuter Connections is the source for information about carpool/vanpool matching, transit schedules, Park and Ride lots, HOV lanes, telework programs, employer commute benefits and bicycle routes. Commuter Connections offers a Guaranteed Ride Home program, providing free emergency rides home - up to four times a year - for people who rideshare, take public transportation, bicycle or walk to work at least twice a week. When commuters have unexpected personal or family emergencies or the need to stay at work for unscheduled overtime, Commuter Connections does whatever it takes to get them home—whether it’s arranging for a free taxi or rental car. To register for GRH or for more information about other commuter services that help save time and money, visit www.commuterconnections.org or call 1-800-745-RIDE.
Gevalia Kaffe
Gevalia is an exclusive purveyor of gourmet coffees featuring more than 40 exquisite varieties of coffees and teas to suit every taste and occasion. The coffees and teas range from the distinctive varietals, European and limited edition blends as well as seasonal flavors. Gevalia is currently available in the U.S. exclusively at www.gevalia.com or through 1-800-GEVALIA, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Contact:
Terese A. Kelly
DVC Worldwide
973.775.6474
tkelly@dvc.com
Abbe Serphos
Kraft Foods
914.425.3907
abbe.serphos@kraft.com