Looking for a way to get more value out of your commute into downtown Bellevue? King County Metro Transit and the city of Bellevue are introducing a new incentive program to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicle trips into the city’s central business district.

The program is called "Club R, Rewarding Commute Alternatives" and offers incentives to individuals who carpool, vanpool, ride the bus, bike, walk, telecommute or work a compressed schedule. The program targets employees working in downtown Bellevue*, where more than 400 commuters have already joined Club R.

King County and Bellevue are launching Club R just before major traffic disruptions are expected due to construction on Access Downtown, a regional partnership to improve several interchanges along Interstate 405 in Bellevue. Demolition and replacement of the Northeast Fourth interchange will begin next month, as construction continues to rebuild the Northeast Eighth interchange.

To become a member of Club R, employees simply fill out the online registration form. Registered commuters must share their ride or use another form of alternative transportation for at least 40 percent of their work shift each month or roughly two days a week in a five-day work week to be eligible for monthly drawings. Registered commuters who remain in good standing in Club R for three months by not driving alone to work at least once per month will be eligible for additional quarterly prizes.

The goal of the city of Bellevue and Club R is to have 40 percent of downtown commuters carpool, vanpool or ride the bus by the year 2005. Club R is funded by a Commuter Challenge grant and matching funds from King County Metro Transit and the city of Bellevue, and is just one of the tools the city is using to reach its goals. For more information call (206) 625-4500 or visit the project  website.