Why did the Alewife TMA start the TripCentives program?
Alewife TMA’s TripCentives program reward commuters who elect to use a sustainable travel mode such as biking, walking, public transit, carpooling, vanpooling, or a private shuttle service to commute to and from work. The more days a commuter uses a green transportation mode, the more money they can earn.
How does TripCentives Work?
The Alewife TMA’s TripCentives program awards $5 per-day for each day the participant uses a green commute mode. It is not required that an individual commute green every day, but only days a green mode is used will count towards the tally. Overall, it's $5 per-day up to a maximum of $50 in a given month. The maximum amount any one employee can earn through the duration of the program is $200. Awards are given in the form of gift cards.
For more information, please visit the TripCentives webpage today!
What is a “green"commute mode”?
Qualified TripCentives Modes:
- Bike
- Walk
- Transit (bus, subway, commuter rail)
- Carpool
- Vanpool
- Private Shuttle
Modes That Do Not Qualify:
- Driving Alone
- Telecommuting
How can I get started in a green commute?
First you go to the TripCentives webpage and register for the program. Next, you will register in eCommuter.org and log your daily trips into the calendar feature.
With eCommuter you can access online tools such as:
- Searching for carpool, vanpool, and biking partners (includes the option to search from within your organization or from the entire database)
- Planning transit trips and the bike-friendliest routes
- Enrolling in the Emergency Ride Home program
Where did the funding come from?
Alewife TMA was awarded a grant through MassDOT‘s Workforce Transportation Program. This program was designed to provide funding for commuter programs and services geared at improving air quality through a reduction in traffic congestion and single occupancy vehicle usage. In simple terms, the focus of the program was to get more workers to their jobs with less air pollution. We are very grateful to our TMA member’ partners that provided support by funding the 20% match portion of the grant. Participating properties include King Street Properties, Longfellow Real Estate, Bulfinch Properties, West Cambridge Science Park, LLC, and The Davis Companies.
Even if you are not a TMA member, YOU can help mitigate traffic in the Alewife/Fresh Pond Area.
For commuters within the Alewife/Fresh Pond area and those that are “passing” through, there are a few simple things you can to do help decrease traffic congestion and improve air quality for everyone!
- Consider parking your car outside of the City and biking to your final destination or to a public transit connection
- Share the ride to work with a colleague
- Utilize BlueBikes for first and last mile trips
- Take advantage of the many bike paths in and around Alewife
- Commute during off-peak hours
- Telecommute when possible




