Commuter Connections and UMD partnered up to launch a mobile app

D.C.-based Commuter Connections partnered with the Maryland Transportation Institute at the University of Maryland to launch a new mobile app for commuters.

Launched in 1974, Commuter Connections is a program of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. The program leverages tech to connect commuters with public transportation and ridesharing options. Commuter Connections is funded by the District, Maryland, Virginia and U.S. Departments of Transportation, as Technical.ly DC previously reported.

The Apple and Android-friendly app called incenTrip lets D.C.-area commuters earn rewards on their daily travel while making recommendations for the best routes, departure times and travel modes, a press release states. The app determines routes based on real-time traffic data and personal preferences.

New #incenTrip mobile app allows #commuters in the D.C. region to save time, money, and fuel, while earning rewards for planning trips. Learn more and download the app today: https://t.co/ltF1emuXsa pic.twitter.com/R4sH0adJfl

— COG (@MWCOG) August 30, 2019

“incenTrip helps commuters make the best travel decision while rewarding choices that benefit the entire region,” Martin Nohe, chairman of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, said in a statement. “The app and its users will help reduce congestion, energy use, and vehicle emissions in the region.”

App users can redeem rewards points for cash from Commuter Connections when they use incenTrip to plan travel to and from work, avoid traffic or use shared travel options like carpooling or public transit. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments described the app as having a “fun and game-like environment” since users can create weekly goals, engage in challenges and invite friends to commute using the app, as well.

This new initiative comes after Commuter Connections released some tools over the summer to help with the six metro line shutdowns. Those tools, which include a CarpoolNow app and a free rideshare program, are still available through Sept. 8.