Maybe pledges and vouchers is what it takes for a community to change its bad habits - at least that was the tactic King County Metro Transit used to push its alternative transportation program, Ballard In Motion.

The summer program motivated about 900 residents to drive less in exchange for free bus tickets and gift certificates. But free stuff wasn't a key motivator for most participants.

The desire to reduce pollution was identified to be the biggest push for joining the program, according to Metro's post-program survey in which about 28 percent of participants responded.

"Ballard is the first neighborhood where that has come out as a key motivator," said Carol Cooper, a market development planner for Metro. "It's certainly a shining example of the program."

Informational packets were sent to more than 8,000 Ballard residents and business owners. To get incentives, participants pledged to change at least two single occupancy vehicle trips per week to some alternative mode of transportation, such as walking or biking.

Those not interested in promising anything could simply request information about alternative transportation, like vanpooling or bike routes, and still get free ride tickets. Metro also gave out more than 3,000 pieces of healthy travel information.

"We have all this information just sitting in boxes and we need to get it out into people's hands," said Cooper.

That kind of no hassle convenience is part of what attracted Hilary Mohr to the program. Mohr, once strictly a driver, said the program changed the way she thinks about commuting.

Mohr's weekdays are spent commuting to work downtown and then to Capitol Hill for law classes at Settle University. She said she used to see bikers climbing the steep Seattle hills and think they were crazy, but now her outlook has changed.

"I realized it was completely doable," she said. "It's not that big of a deal."

After investing $500 in a new bike and gear, she now bikes to work and school nearly every day of the week.

"Once you figure in time spent looking for parking, it's much easier and cheaper than driving," she said.

Though Mohr earned $80 worth of Metro coupons and gift certificates to local Ballard businesses, she said she joined In Motion because it gave her the motivation she needed to start doing her part for the environment and her community.

"Ballard is probably the best neighborhood in Seattle," she said. It's this self-contained little sub-city--it's got everything you need. Unless you work outside of the neighborhood, there's no reason to leave. We have great restaurants, bars and shops. And it's all walkable."

Though the official program has ended, Mohr said she plans to keep biking and walking as much as she can, instead of driving. In fact, more than 80 percent of those surveyed said they are "very likely" to continue their new travel behaviors.

Those who participated saved about187, 000 miles of driving in 12 weeks, that's roughly seven and a half trips around the earth. More than 9,000 gallons of gas and about 182, 000 pounds of CO2 emissions were spared because of the program.

Metro has done the program in four other neighborhoods and Ballard has shown the highest participation rate to date, said Cooper.

'We are really happy with the way the program went in Ballard," she said. "It was really successful."

This time around Metro tried out a new online database where people could log their trips and receive feedback from Metro staff and volunteers. It was also the first time Metro tried to include employees.

Business sponsorship was great but it was hard to get employees on board, said Cooper.

"We are still learning what works and what doesn't," she said. "It's hard to know if the information reaches the right person. How do you get it to someone who will do something with it and get their employees involved?"

But the question as to whether the program will have a lasting effect on people's behavior now that the incentives are gone is yet to be seen.

"Ideally we are trying to figure out how to make it something that goes on and on," said Cooper. "How can we keep this alive?"

Metro is currently brainstorming how to keep the program going with local organizations like Sustainable Ballard and the chamber of commerce.

"An ongoing refresher would really serve to engrain the ideas," said Cooper. That is something we are continuing to think about."

To get involved, contact the In Motion hotline at 296-3455 or the Ballard Chamber of Commerce at 784-9705. To apply to have this program come to another Seattle/King County neighborhood, visit www.metrokc.gov/inmotion.

Rebekah Schilperoort can be reached at rebekahs@ballardnewstribune.com