Ahmad Elzoghby, a spokesman for the challenge, said the group also hopes to raise awareness about alternative modes of transportation.

BBC: Riding cross-country for Egyptian tourism

Deron Lovaas, transportation policy director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the study "hit the nail on the head in terms of the opportunity" to promote alternative modes of transportation.

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Alone and in partnership with Amtrak, Caltrans is also involved in the support of intercity passenger rail service in California, and is a leader in promoting the use of alternative modes of transportation.

ENGADGET: IBM shows off Smarter Traveler traffic prediction tool

Until now retail stores have been essential for customer acquisition, but as consumers are spending more and more time browsing online and becoming increasingly open to alternative modes of purchasing, there is a real opportunity for innovation through e-commerce and direct sales.

FORBES: The Future Of E-Commerce: Bridging The Online/Offline Gap

As a result, such tools can help raise the profile of alternative transit modes, symmetrizing them with more conventional or better-accepted ways of getting around.

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