Want to know:

• Where to shop for winter weather gear in downtown Ann Arbor?
• How much it actually costs to drive your car to work every day?
• How much you could save trying an alternative commute?
• How you can get in shape through active commuting?

Read about all of this and more in the January 2008 issue of the Commuter Connection: Click here to view

Some of you might have noticed the spiffy AATA bus with the plants and bug on it.  AATA recently asked community members to name the bug for a chance to win an iphone.  While the sole employee of getDowntown could not enter the contest, if I had my say, the bug’s name would be Trippy.

Here’s what the AATA has to say about the contest and the winner (photo at left):

After receiving more than 200 entries in its contest to “Name That Bug”, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) now has a moniker for its new hybrid electric bus mascot.

Brittany Koprowicz of Dearborn was the winning entrant after submitting “Scooter” as the name. Her entry was chosen as the winning name to reflect the Eco Bug’s happy personality and active mission to move the community forward in an environmentally friendly way.

Ms. Koprowicz reported that she was “very excited” to have her entry selected and explained why she entered, saying, “My brother drives a school bus in Hamtramck and is a supporter of public transportation and encouraged me to enter the contest, as he was really excited about the new buses in Ann Arbor.”

“I think that the new hybrid buses are a very good thing for the city and more places should be thinking of our ecosystem when planning for transit.”

According to AATA Manager of Maintenance Terry Black, “AATA expects to use 67,600 gallons less diesel fuel, saving close to $2.5 million in fuel costs, over the 12-year life expectancy of the vehicles.”

Because they burn much less fuel, the buses contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions believed to contribute to global warming.

In the months ahead, Scooter will represent AATA in promoting AATA’s hybrid electric buses and other efforts that AATA will make to reduce its impact on the environment and to encourage others to be more Earth-friendly.

So next time you see that cute little bug drive buy, don’t forget to way and say “Hi Scooter!”