More than 80 Renton residents have signed up with King County Metro Transit’s “In Motion” program to encourage healthier travel. The program is kicking off just as local residents are dealing with major construction along the Interstate 405 corridor.

The In Motion program is aimed at increasing the use of transit, carpooling, bicycling and walking by providing information and incentives to residents willing to take a pledge to drive less. Metro is partnering with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Hopelink to provide people with travel information and incentives.

The Central Renton In Motion program also supports WSDOT’s I-405 construction projects in Bellevue and Renton. WSDOT is widening I-405 between Interstate 5 and State Route 169 this summer. Then in August, WSDOT is closing southbound I-405 lanes in south Bellevue for removal of the Wilburton tunnel. Visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/i405/ for more details.

The In Motion program will help Renton residents find other ways to get around during the construction – and the partners hope people like the new options so much that they make permanent changes in the way they travel.

Local residents are invited to sign up for the program and pledge to reduce their drive-alone trips. Participants are eligible to win prizes donated by local businesses and Metro free-ride tickets. The more people reduce their driving and bus, bike, walk and share rides, the more often and the more rewards they can receive. Local merchants will benefit, too, from the increased emphasis on shopping locally, according to Metro officials.

The Renton plan is based on successful In Motion programs held previously in various Seattle and Bellevue neighborhoods. Metro estimates the popular programs have reduced more than 249,401 miles of driving, 21,398 gallons of gas, and 415,120 pounds of CO2 emissions to date in King County.

For more information

For more information about the Central Renton In Motion program, visit the program website at: www.kingcounty.gov/inmotion. Or call, Lori Ferrin at Hopelink at (425) 943-6769.