Car Free Program Makes Annual Effort

Car Free Day is on Wednesday. It is an annual effort to encourage Central Indiana commuters to use alternative transportation and promote cleaner air.

The pandemic has reshaped the way people are getting to work. Commuter Connect Assistant Director Jennifer Gebhard said more people worked remotely.

“Last year we saw fewer commutes, literally cleaned the air last year,” Gebhard said.

This year’s program is aimed at all residents encouraging fewer car trips. To promote greener transportation partners, including IndyGo and Pacers Bike Share will offer free rides.

Gebhard said as more people return to the workplace, the focus is on creating awareness of transit opportunities.

“Any kind of alternative option that they can use besides every single person driving by themselves,” Gebhard said.

This past year has seen an increase in vanpool use.  This is the sixth year for the program run by Commuter Connect with funding from a Federal Highway Administration grant.

Planned Car Free Day activities in Indianapolis and Carmel have been canceled because of weather concerns.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.