Both Orange County Transportation Authority and Metrolink will offer free rides on the bus and train all day on Wednesday, Oct. 2 as part of Rideshare Week, which runs from Oct. 7 through October 11.
The OCTA hopes that by offering free bus rides for a day, more commuters may trade the privacy and convenience of their cars and align their commuting needs with the fixed routes and timetables of the OCTA bus system.
October 2 is also California Clean Air Day, and the OCTA operates a fleet of clean-air buses. with free rides all day on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
“During Rideshare Week, OCTA would like to see those that travel to work experience “Happy Commuting,” by considering alternative options to reach work or other destinations, such as taking OC Bus, a Metrolink train, or going by bike, electric scooter, carpool or vanpool,” the agency stated in its press release.
OCTA buses are already free for anyone under 18.
Those who go online to octa.net/rideshareweek can pledge to share the ride any number of days during the week and can enter for a chance to win a prize package that includes AirPods Pro, a Hydro Flask Water Bottle, a travel backpack and more, sponsored by Spectrumotion.
In an effort to increase interest in the OC Vanpool program, OCTA increased the monthly subsidy from $400 to $600 per month for qualifying groups – an amount in line with transit agencies in surrounding counties.
OCTA hopes that people who participate during Rideshare Week and try alternate forms of transportation will discover the lasting benefits and continue sharing the ride throughout the year.
For more information on this and other OCTA services and projects, visit octa.net.
