Information from King County Metro

King County Metro Transit is challenging riders to take and record at least 250 bus rides before June 7 on the Route 50 which runs from Columbia City/Seward Park to West Seattle/Alki, connecting Link light rail and every north-south route in the area.

In addition to winning the challenge and gaining bragging rights for the most rides, participants who log at least three trips will be eligible for a drawing of $25 REI gift cards, and there will also be four winners for recruiting the most additional participants into the challenge. To encourage participation in the challenge, the program is open to all King County residents.

“This is a friendly competition, and we’re excited to try motivating riders by using this challenge format,” said Kelly Lindsey of King County Metro. Participants can track the conversation on Twitter using #Rt50challenge.

Metro’s public transit plays a central role in reducing traffic congestion, harmful air emissions and commuter stress. Route 50 was developed largely in response to neighborhood requests for an east-west connector, and is a good way to avoid the traffic hassles around the Alaskan Way Viaduct and other construction projects.

Neighborhood and other King County residents can sign up online through Luum, a Seattle-based social enterprise that mobilizes communities to create social impact through friendly online challenges. The challenge platform enables participants to easily invite others to the challenge and track whether invitees participate.

For information about Route 50 and its connections, visit Metro Online or call 206-553-3000.