The Orange County Transportation Authority has announced that the public can ride OCTA buses for free on Earth Day (Monday, April 22) as part of the obligatory genuflection to what has become a sort of secular holy day.
Those who already ride the bus (primarily because they have no alternative) will be able to do so for free. Motorists are encouraged to sacrifice the convenience, empowerment and independence of driving their own cars in favor of the fixed routes and times of the bus schedule.
“OC Bus is always a safe and convenient way to get to work, to school, to the beach or to just about any destination in Orange County,” said OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyen. “On Earth Day, we’re making it free for everyone, with the hope that will attract more riders, which will help continue easing traffic congestion and helping our county’s air quality.”
Choosing to take public transportation instead of driving helps reduce pollution because the OC Bus fleet runs on clean, renewable energy, including compressed natural gas and zero-emission hydrogen fuel-cell electric and plug-in battery electric buses.
OCTA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship goes beyond Earth Day and is prioritized in OCTA’s Board and CEO Initiatives. OCTA utilizes funding from Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, to protect Orange County’s natural resources by funding projects that capture transportation-related pollution and improve water quality.
In addition, OCTA is working to convert its entire bus fleet to 100% zero-emission by 2040. OCTA introduced 10 hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses into its regular fleet in 2020 and has begun testing plug-in battery electric buses. The pilot programs are helping the agency determine which technology, or mix of technologies, will perform best on Orange County streets, ensuring the highest level of service.
Those looking to travel across Orange County and beyond on Earth Day can also take advantage of free rides being offered by Metrolink trains. No ticket is required on the Metrolink system on Earth Day either.
To plan a trip and learn more about OCTA’s commitment to sustainability, as well as more about some Earth Day events around the county, visit OCBus.com/EarthDay.
