Metro News Release

For immediate release: April 29, 2008

Free bus rides offered Wednesday in Virginia to kick off Code Red Air Quality Action Days

The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) is kicking off the Code Red Air Quality Action Day season with free rides on all Northern Virginia bus routes on Wednesday, April 30, including Metrobus. Free bus rides will be offered throughout the entire day, and special events will take place from 6 to 10 a.m. at various commuter locations to raise awareness about the impact that poor air quality has on the physical health of commuters in our region.

Code Red days occur when ozone levels are expected to be extremely high and air quality is expected to be very poor. On forecasted Code Red days through Sept. 15, Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland bus systems will provide free rides to commuters to encourage people to use mass transit and reduce air pollution.

During the summer months, area residents should tune to their local radio or television stations to hear the air quality forecast for the following day or visit http://www.cleanairpartners.net/ and sign up to receive air quality forecast alerts. When a Code Red day is forecasted, free fares will be in effect on designated bus routes in Virginia and in Maryland. For a complete list of participating transit providers, go to http://www.cleanairpartners.net/ and click on “Get Involved” and then “Ride Free.”

News release issued at 10:12 am, April 29, 2008.