Choose Your Way Bellevue is again taking applications for its Commute Challenge, which tasks people living and working in the city to ditch their cars for a week in favor of alternative transportation.

Funded through the Bellevue Downtown Association’s TransManage and in partnership with the city and King County, Commute Challenge participants — lone drivers — have the opportunity to have their alternative means of travel paid for during the weeklong challenge, and are expected to post comments about their experiences.

Those using public transportation will receive prepaid ORCA cards, while those opting to carpool receive gas money, said Jason Hampton, transportation program coordinator for TransManage. Those switching to biking receive gift cards to Gregg’s Bellevue Cycle. Applications are being accepted until Oct. 1.

“Last year’s was a longer period, so they gave them more than a week to do it and we paid for a longer commute. This year we wanted more people to do it,” Hampton said. “One person’s story spreads through the office or the community and other people give it a chance.”

Ten people have started the application process, and three people have completed the challenge, he said.

“We feel very good about our vetting process, and so far our stories have been really great,” Hampton said.

Those who successfully complete the weeklong challenge qualify for a Nov. 10 drawing, where people can win prizes like an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire and a $300 ORCA card.

Hampton said even if people don’t want to accept the weeklong challenge, they can share their alternative commuting experiences on Choose Your Way Bellevue’s Facebook page to be considered for a weekly $25 REI gift card giveaway.

Apply for the Commute Challenge at www.ChooseYourWayBellevue.org or share your experiences at www.Facebook.com/ChooseYourWayBellevue.