By: Ashling Landers
Since 1999, CommuteSmart has been a federally-funded initiative under the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham. The program strives to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in Jefferson and Shelby counties through alternative commutes to work including walking, biking, taking public transportation, carpooling, or working from home. To qualify for the program you must simply live or work in Jefferson or Shelby county and take a clean commute to work.
Alternative commute options:
Adopting alternative transportation methods will lead to healthier communities, less congestion on roads, less pollution and clear skies, and help build a more sustainable future.
Once you have created your CommuteSmart profile, you can begin logging your alternative commute to work. For your first 90 days of logging your clean commute, you will be under the GETGREEN program, after which you will automatically be added to the COMMUTERCLUB program. Information for both programs can be found below.
GETGREEN
One-time, 90 day program
Starts the moment you begin logging your alternative commutes
Receive a $1 per day for every day you log an alternative commute (max $70.00)
Must log a minimum of 20 alternative commutes during your first 90 day period
COMMUTER CLUB
Automatically starts after your finish your GetGreen period and continue to log your alternative commutes
To qualify for an incentive, you must log a minimum of 20 alternative commutes every 90 days during each quarter: Jan 1-Mar 31, Apr 1-Jun 30, Jul 1-Sept 30, and Oct 1-Dec 31
Incentive choices are $25.00 gift cards (options below)
Chevron/Texaco gas card
Publix gift card
Target gift card
CVS gift card
Express Oil change certificate
Birmingham Transit pass
In addition to the financial incentives, CommuteSmart offers Emergency Ride Home services for those who cannot get a ride home from a carpool partner due to unforeseen circumstances.
Finding Alternate Commute in Birmingham and Related Resources
Learn about local alternate commute resources by following the links below!
Biking
Download the Veo app to find bicycles to rent
Rent or repair a bike at the Blazer Bike Shop
Protect your bike on campus by registering it with UAB Transportation
Public Transportation
Learn about Birmingham’s public transportation, MAX Transit
Download the MyStop app for Android and Apple devices
Take advantage of special fare prices for students
Look out for the upcoming Birmingham Xpress transit system
Learn about the UAB Blazer Express, ideal for getting around campus
Download the DoubleMap app to track bus routes
Carpool
Find a commute partner after completing your CommuteSmart profile
Take advantage of the UAB carpool parking passes
In a transportation pinch? Utilize Birmingham On-Demand, powered by Via, rideshare services can get you around the city for an affordable flat fee of $1.50!