One city in California is actually paying residents not to drive in an effort to reduce traffic and air pollution and encourage the use of public transit.
Santa Monica is partnering with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the One Car Challenge, offering residents cash payments to "give one of their household cars a staycation for five weeks."
By taking the one-car household lifestyle for a spin, residents can make up to $599 for participating while also receiving free rides on various modes of transport to help with their transition.
The first 200 participating households will receive: Up to $119.80 each week for five weeks; $50 in Metro bus and rail fares; and 5-10 free Metro Bike Share rides per household.
Participants must live in Santa Monica, have two or more cars per household, and be at least 21 years of age. The pilot will start in early November with applications being accepted until October 6.
If the project is successful, the transportation authority hopes to roll it out to other areas of Los Angeles.
The One Car Challenge is part of a larger $1.3-million LA Metro Travel Rewards Research Pilot Project designed to test the most effective incentives to persuade travelers to skip driving alone and instead choose transit, ridesharing, walking, bicycling or telecommuting.