USAA and NuRide Launch Three-Million-Mile Commuter Challenge

USAA, H-E-B, Alamo Area Council of Governments, and many local businesses join
unique online rewards program to help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion

SAN ANTONIO, TX – Jan. 13, 2009 – Gentlemen (and ladies), don’t start your engines! That’s the aim of a unique area-wide commuter challenge kicked off today at USAA, a diversified financial services company headquartered in San Antonio. USAA and NuRide, the nation’s largest commuter rewards program, launched the USAA Three-Million-Mile Commuter Challenge (www.sacommuterchallenge.com) to help reduce the amount of miles that San Antonio-area commuters drive by rewarding commuters who carpool, vanpool, bike, walk, telecommute, and take public transportation in lieu of driving alone.

“The USAA Three-Million-Mile Commuter Challenge will ultimately lead to cleaner air in San Antonio and help make our roadways less crowded,” said Gen. Joe Robles, Jr., USA (Ret.), USAA’s president and CEO. “Our employees already have demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm for this program and we’re excited about expanding this effort to the entire community.”

Almost 50 local and national businesses have joined USAA in supporting the Commuter Challenge, including major employers such as H-E-B, as well as a host of businesses that will provide free and discounted products and services to commuters who earn rewards based on a point system developed by NuRide. In addition, the Alamo Area Council of Governments has endorsed the USAA Three-Million-Mile Commuter Challenge as a significant complement to its Commute Solutions program, which provides information and recommended approaches for an array of commuting alternatives.

“Supporting this Challenge is another way H-E-B demonstrates its commitment to the environment,” said H-E-B president, Bob Loeffler. “Every commuter will have the opportunity to earn big savings from San Antonio businesses including H-E-B.”

“I am thrilled to see such a great example of true community partnership in this project,” said Bexar County Judge, Nelson Wolff. “The USAA Three-Million-Mile Challenge, like the overall effort to make San Antonio greener, is not a solo act. It’s a team effort.”

USAA’s partnership with NuRide began last August, and initially focused on encouraging USAA employees to participate in the online program, which promotes environmentally sensitive commuting methods. Results so far include:  

• 38,000 fewer car trips;
• 62,900 fewer gallons of gas used;
• 618 tons of reduced emissions;
• $249,000 in reduced commute costs and rewards; and
• 1.2 million miles saved.

“San Antonio is fortunate to have corporate citizens, like USAA, willing to assume a leadership role in promoting efforts to improve the environment – not to mention the committed team of employees who already have achieved significant results through the NuRide program. Today we reset the odometer on the program to zero, and invite the whole community to join in achieving the three million mile goal,” said NuRide chief executive officer Rick Steele.
The USAA Challenge is projected to achieve its three-million-mile goal by fall of 2009, resulting in eliminating 124,000 car trips while conserving 125,000 gallons of gas and preventing 1,200 tons of emissions.

In addition to USAA and H-E-B, there are numerous other participating organizations.

Details on joining NuRide as an individual member, or participating as a business rewards program sponsor, are at: www.sacommuterchallenge.com.

About USAA
USAA, a diversified financial services group of companies, is a leading provider of financial planning, insurance, investments, and banking products to members of the U.S. military and their families. Named by BusinessWeek as No. 1 Customer Service Champ in 2007 and 2008, USAA provides highly competitive financial products to its 6.7 million members. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit usaa.com.

About H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of more than $15 billion operates more than 300 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2005. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at every day low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 70,000 Partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities.