Straight from the Hero Headlines

There's A Hero in All of Us SM

Doing our part to help the environment takes heroic actions by each of us. That's why RideFinders strives to keep you informed about the latest news in smart transportation choices, how it affects us, and simple changes that you can incorporate into your lifestyle.

We want you to be aware of what great options are available to you so check back often for changes or further developments. We'll keep you posted!

BIKE MONTH & COMMUTER CHALLENGE

RideRichmond invites Richmond area cyclists to participate in its 2nd Annual Bicycle Commuter Challenge! The Commuter Challenge, a part of Richmond Bike Month, is a great way to discover just how easy, affordable, and healthy bike commuting can be.

By participating in the Commuter Challenge, you are automatically entered in a raffle to win either a Men's or Women's Giant Escape. For more information and to register, visit http://www.riderichmond.net/bike-month-commuter-challenge/.

VANPOOL RIDERS NEEDED!

Vanpool riders needed for Virginia Beach/Newport News to downtown Richmond route. Van leaves Virginia Beach at 5:30 a.m. Picks up in Newport News at 6:15 and travel into downtown Richmond. The stops in Richmond are 9th & Broad, 7th & Byrd and SunTrust on Parham Road. For more information, contact Brigitte Carter at 804-643-7433 or bcarter@ridefinders.com.

VANPOOL RIDERS NEEDED!

Vanpool riders needed for Richmond to McLean route. Van departs at 6 a.m. from Midlothian Turnpike travelling to Freddie Mac in McLean, Virginia. Van departs McLean between 5 and 5:30 p.m. and will return to the lot at approximately 7 p.m. Daily riders are being accepted!

For more information, please contact Brigitte Carter, Account Executive, at 804-643-7433 or bcarter@ridefinders.com.

VDOT ANNOUNCES RIDEFINDERS AS LATEST E-ZPASS ON-THE-GO RETAILER

RideFinders has joined Virginia E-ZPass On-the-Go Retail Program

RICHMOND - Richmond area drivers now have one more way to get an E-ZPass.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) today announced that RideFinders is the latest merchant to offer E-ZPass On-the-Go, a program that allows customers to obtain E-ZPass transponders at various retailers. Drivers can get prepaid E-ZPass transponders at select outlets for use on all toll roads in Virginia and 14 other states.

"E-ZPass On-the-Go is the new, convenient way to obtain an E-ZPass," said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley. "Thousands of drivers use E-ZPass each day to travel along toll roads throughout the commonwealth. The On-the-Go program allows individuals to visit a participating retailer and obtain an E-ZPass for immediate use on toll roads. I am pleased to welcome RideFinders to our group of participating retailers."

RideFinders, the Central Virginia region's rideshare agency, provides residents and employers in the region with commuter services that support and advance the use of carpooling, vanpooling, public transit, biking, walking and telework alternatives to driving alone to work and other destinations. All of these travel assistance services are designed to help the region manage the demand placed on its roadways by moving more people in fewer cars and improve air quality.

RideFinders Commuter Store located at 1013 East Main Street in downtown Richmond will offer E-ZPass On-the-Go. "RideFinders is pleased to serve as a transportation one-stop-shop in the downtown area and offer our customers the option to purchase these transponders," said Von Tisdale, executive director of RideFinders.

E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that makes paying tolls fast and easy through the use of a transponder that automatically deducts tolls from an account that can be connected to the user's bank or credit card accounts.

E-ZPass On-the-Go provides an easy way for drivers to obtain an E-ZPass transponder through select local stores and businesses. Drivers simply pay $35 and the E-ZPass can be used right away with $15 toll credit. The additional $20 is available for tolls when the transponder is registered online at www.EZPassVA.com or via telephone at 877-762-7824 or 800-828-1120 (for TTY users).

"Not only does RideFinders offer a convenient location for downtown commuters to walk from their jobs to our Commuter Store and easily purchase their transponders, but our E-ZPass customers will be able to register their transponders immediately after purchase using our kiosk," said Tisdale. "This is an added benefit and truly makes RideFinders a unique location for customers. RideFinders has two self-serve kiosks located on-site."

Last fall, VDOT announced AAA Mid-Atlantic, Wegmans and Giant, as the program's retail partners. E-ZPass transponders can also be obtained online, by calling a toll-free number (877-762-7824) or by visiting an E-ZPass Customer Service Center.

For more information, visit www.EZPassVA.com.

For more information on E-ZPass Virginia, visit www.EZPassVA.com.

CRTAB MEETING MINUTES NOW AVAILABLE

The Capital Region Taxicab Advisory Board (CRTAB) met on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. at The Greater Richmond Convention Center, Room E10b, 403 North Third Street, Richmond, Virginia. Please click here to view the minutes.

VANPOOL RIDERS NEEDED!

It's a great time to fall in love with vanpooling! Vanpool riders needed for Chesterfield to downtown Richmond route with work hours between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Van picks up at Chesterfield County Airport and Martin's on Route 10 and Chippenham. Drop off points between Richmond City Hall and 14th and E. Broad. For more information, contact Jerry Gonzalez at 804-643-7433 or jgonzalez@ridefinders.com.

NEW VANPOOL STARTING! RIDERS NEEDED

NEW Vanpool- riders needed. Riders needed for Newport News to Fort Lee route. Van will depart the Walmart Plaza in Newport News at 5:15 a.m. with arrival at Fort Lee scheduled for 6:30 a.m. Van will depart Fort Lee at 4:30 p.m. and arrive in Newport News at approximately 5:50 p.m. For more information, contact Brigitte Carter at bcarter@ridefinders.com or 804-643-7433.

NEW VANPOOL STARTING! RIDERS NEEDED

NEW Vanpool- riders needed. Riders needed for Richmond, VA to Freddie Mac/Tysons Corner route. Van will depart Staples Mill & Glenside in Richmond at 6:15 a.m. with arrival at Freddie Mac/Tysons Corner area by 8:00 a.m. Van will leave Freddie Mac/ Tysons Corner at at 5:30 p.m. and arrive in Richmond at approximately 7:15 p.m. For more information, contact Jerry Gonzalez at 804-643-7433 or jgonzalez@ridefinders.com.

NEW STUDY REPORTS RIDEFINDERS' POSITIVE IMPACT ON RICHMOND REGION

RideFinders services help commuters eliminate more than 30 million annual vehicle miles traveled and remove 5,000 vehicle trips per day in the Richmond region. RideFinders provides residents and employers in the Richmond region with commuter services that support and advance the use of carpooling, vanpooling, public transit, biking, walking and telework alternatives to driving alone. To assess performance and impact on the region, RideFinders engaged the Southeastern Institute of Research (SIR) and LDA Consulting. The SIR-LDA finds have just been released in The RideFinders' Performance Evaluation and Community Impact Assessment Report. To read the report, click here.

YOU ASKED. WE LISTENED! RIDEFINDERS NOW ACCEPTS MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

RideFinders now accepts credit cards for your purchases of go cards, stamps and store items such as umbrellas, tote bags and coffee mugs. Stop by RideFinders today and use your credit card! RideFinders is open Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm, excluding major holidays.

Please note that a 3% convenience fee will be applied to the total purchase when paying by credit card.