On April 15 sponsoring groups GoTriangle, SmartCommute@rtp, and Triangle Air Awareness will kick off the 2009 SmartCommute Challenge. The Challenge is an annual non-profit public service campaign aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality in the Triangle. The SmartCommute Challenge encourages commuters and college students who work or attend classes in Durham, Wake, or Orange Counties to try a different commute. Commuters can take the Challenge to try the bus, carpooling, vanpooling, teleworking, biking, or walking at least once.

The six-week challenge runs through May 30. The officially kicks-off celebration will be at The Research Triangle Park Headquarters (12 Davis Drive) on April 15 at 9 a.m. This year’s festivities will feature the kick off of the Triangle Air Quality Forecast Season, alternative fuel vehicles, and testimonials from Triangle commuters who use various forms of commuting alternatives.