Commute Like a Ninja - with Skill and Cleverness

"Commute Like a Ninja" month was a multifacted campaign to promote the use of commute alternatives at our worksite.

I worked with a local artist to create 84 stuffed ninjas that were then tagged with "commute like a ninja" information and passed out to all employees on payday. I also created a "Ninja Toss" game that allowed employees to try to throw their ninjas through a game board with their number of throws being based on the number of times they used a commute alternative during the month.

The campaign also included:

  • Payroll stuffers
  • Posters
  • Special email notices
  • Postings on the internal web site

Here is a sample of an internal email message:
Your commute ninja is a reminder to use "skill and cleverness" to overcome commuting obstacles!
• Plan your routes in advance
• Combine trips and errands
• Utilize www.spokanetransit.com
-Get bus schedule and route change updates.
-Use the "How do I get there?" feature to receive a customized, planned trip.
-Remember that Bike Permits are no longer required as of September 1, 2007. All of Spokane Transit's buses have bike racks.
• Visit rideshareonline.com to find other commuters in your area and form a carpool

November's Commute Calendar Prize
Everyone who fills out a commute calendar in November will be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Safeway card.

Stealth Bus Ride Day
Ride the bus to the plaza on Wednesday, November 14th and show your Rings & Things ID to get a free slice of pizza at Pizza Rita. Tip: You can get from R&T to the plaza and back in 41 minutes on Bus 94.

Ninja Toss Game
Each day you use a commute alternative in November will get you one throw in the Ninja Toss game! Train your ninja all this month on the Ninja Toss board in the break room. The Ninja Toss finals are Friday, November 30th. Bring your completed Commute Calendar to the break room anytime from Noon to 1 pm to compete. The person with the most points will win a $25 Safeway card.

November Commute Calendars are due on international Ninja Day: Wednesday, December 5th.