Friday is ‘Car-Free Day’ in Fairfax County, DC Metro

This week has been Try Transit Week in Virginia, and officials across the DC Metro area are hoping residents will take it one-step farther Friday.

Car-Free Day, according to its website, is an annual event when commuters are “encouraged to get around without driving alone in cars and instead ride a train, bus, bicycle, carpool, vanpool, subway or walk. For those that have the ability to work from home, telework also counts.”

All residents who are participating can fill out a pledge form and receive a buy-one-get-one promotional offer from Chipotle. They will be entered in a drawing to win other prizes for participation as well.

Participants from Fairfax County are eligible for specific prizes courtesy of the Fairfax County Department of Transportation, including SmarTrip cards.

“With the benefits of potential commuting cost savings, increased physical exercise, fewer cars on the road and a cleaner environment, everyone is invited to try a new way to get to work,” reads an announcement from FCDOT. “By reducing the number of single-occupant vehicles on the road — or getting more people in fewer vehicles — commuters can enjoy less traffic while improving air quality and saving money on fuel, maintenance and parking expenses.”