SamTrans, Caltrains partner with Miles on gamification pilot program

San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) and Caltrain have partnered with Miles, a rewards platform and app, on a pilot project that will reward riders for choosing transit. 

"The region is booming, and even though more Bay Area workers take public transit than most other large cities, that still leaves 3 out of 4 commuters sitting in cars," a blog post from Miles read. " For transit providers in major cities, nudging commuters to choose alternative transportation is easier said than done." 

SamTrans, Caltrain and Miles hope that nudge commuters need will be the change to earn unique rewards simply by choosing to take their trip on SamTrans or Caltrain. 

Miles is a rewards platform and app that delivers value for every mile traveled. Users who choose alternative modes of travel or eco-friendly forms of transportation — such as walking, biking, carpooling or transit — are rewarded even more.

While transit riders who use the Miles app already earn rewards, the trio of partners will offer exclusive reward opportunities such as the chance to compete in special public transit challenges to earn additional rewards that could be Amazon or Starbucks gift cards, tickets to local events and special offers from local retailers and merchants. All that is required is a smartphone and transit fare. Miles explains its app is designed to work in the background and automatically logs each trip from point A to B and the mode of transportation, while keeping data completely private. 

“Our partnership with Miles will offer commuters an additional incentive to choose public transit over driving alone,” said Jim Hartnett, CEO and general manager of the Transit District. “This pilot is part of our ongoing endeavor to reduce traffic congestion by incentivizing transit and improving our service to better meet the transportation needs of Bay Area residents.” 

To get started, consumers simply download the Miles app. Users can easily view their miles earned per trip and receive personalized rewards that are redeemable either online or at a nearby store.

SamTrans explains that anonymous travel data received from the one-year pilot program will help inform future transportation planning efforts and to encourage sustainable travel options. The city of Sacramento and Contra Costa Transportation Authority also currently have successful pilots with Miles underway.

“At Miles, our vision is to deliver value for every mile traveled - with alternate or more sustainable forms of travel rewarded even further,” said Miles co-founder Paresh Jain. “Together with Caltrain and SamTrans, we’re excited to help incentivize greener travel and reach their goals to encourage ridership through local rewards and challenges.”