Traffic & Transit
Free Public Transit In Santa Monica For Clean Air Day
Local agencies partnered with the Coalition For Clean Air to offer free bus rides as a part of a statewide effort to fight poor air quality.
![Local agencies partnered with the Coalition For Clean Air to offer free bus rides as a part of a statewide effort to fight poor air quality.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/getty/25354686/20221004/035805/styles/patch_image/public/gettyimages-1323803783___04155718691.jpg)
SANTA MONICA, CA — Public transit agencies in Santa Monica are offering free rides on Wednesday as part of California Clean Air Day — an effort to protect public health and improve air quality.
In partnership with the Coalition for Clean Air, the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus joined 513 organizations that are participating by offering free or discounted services to riders who want to do their part in reducing toxic tailpipe emissions.
“Whether you’re an individual, business, government agency or nonprofit organization, there are things we all can do to improve air quality and protect public health,” a statement on the California Clean Air Day website said. “In a state with some of the worst air pollution in the United States, it is imperative that we do.”
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In addition to the Big Blue Bus system, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is offering free rides on all Metro-operated trains and buses all day. People can also access Metro's Bike Share program through free 1-Ride fares using the promo code 100522.
This year marks the fifth annual California Clean Air Day, and it helps bring cleaner air to the region, especially to low-income neighborhoods and communities of color that are disproportionately affected by poor air quality. Metro believes an easy way for the public to do their part is to leave cars at home and hop on public transit.
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“Leaving your car at home and opting to take transit is a great way to cut your carbon footprint and celebrate Clean Air Day,” said Metro Board 2nd Vice Chair and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “As a County, we need to get to the point where every day is ‘Clean Air Day’ and that is why it is so important that we continue to get more zero emissions trucks and buses on the road and make transit a convenient and reliable option for all residents.”
A map of Metro locations in Los Angeles County can be found here.
Electric scooter and bike companies are also participating in Clean Air Day. Lime and Bird are offering free unlocks on their electric vehicles to those who pledge on the Clean Air Day website and commit to helping clear the air by replacing a car ride with an e-scooter or e-bike ride.
To be a part of the more than 1.8 million Californians who have pledged to help clear the air, register and commit to planting something, switching things out or reducing vehicles on Wednesday here.
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