NYSDOT and LITM STUDENT ART CONTEST

 Contest raises awareness of the benefits of Ride Sharing and Mass Transit on Long Island

MELVILLE, NY - May 2, 2007, Elementary school students may be too young to drive, but they already recognize the importance of reducing traffic congestion and air pollution on Long Island. Recently, hundreds of students from across Long Island submitted original artwork depicting scenes that help educate the public about the many benefits of carpooling and utilizing alternate means of getting around, including bicycling, walking and public transportation. In all, 658 entries were received; 13 lucky students had their art chosen as part of the twelfth annual Long Island Transportation Management, Inc. (LITM) and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) "Come Go With Me" children's poster contest.

The students and their art were honored at a gala awards ceremony at the Long Island Children's Museum in Garden City, where in addition to receiving accolades for their work, the children had the museum all to themselves and explored the many fun, educational and interactive exhibits at the world-class museum. And, in addition to an evening of unfettered fun, the winning art work will proudly appear in the 2008 "Come Go With Me" calendar, which is distributed to thousands of businesses and individuals throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

"Each year as the poster contest continues to grow, we are able to reach out to more students to educate the future motorists and their parents about the many advantages of carpooling, such as easing traffic congestion, reducing air pollution and saving money," said Marianne Carillo, President and CEO of  LITM.  "The contest is not only a great learning tool, but is also a way in which to showcase the work of some very talented young artists and have some fun in the process, too."

And the winners of this year's "Come Go With Me" poster contest are:

Long Island Transportation Management, Inc. (LITM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people find better ways to commute on Long Island. Founded in 1984, the company's mission is to decrease traffic congestion and improve air quality by promoting voluntary commute alternatives. On behalf of the New York State Department of Transportation, LITM offers a variety of commuter-related services, including free ride-matching assistance for carpoolers; the Bicycle Locker Program; the Commuter Choice Program for employers offering the Best Workplaces for Commuters Program, Guaranteed Ride Program, carpooling and vanpooling assistance, Air Quality information, and other FREE commuter services; the LIRIC (Long Island Region Improving Commuting) Grant Program; as well as public transit information. For more information, please visit www.4commute.com or call 877-4COMMUTE.