You may want to put Friday, April 20th on your schedule. OKC is having a FREE ride day on all METRO Transit buses as part of Earth Month. Maps and schedules can be found at the METRO Transit website (http://www.gometro.org): http://www.gometro.org/ I'll be participating that day & I plan to ride to Quail Springs.

Friday would be a good day to try the OKC METRO bus system. But OKC has a surprise for you. Now and through the September, the METRO Transit bus system will be offering free rides on the third Friday of each month. You might plan to have a family outing on one or more of these days. It is a chance for your kids and yourself to have a really fun day. Explore OKC for free!

From a Metro Transit news release - Apr 13, 2012:
METRO Transit Combats Rising Gas Prices and Ozone Alert Season in Central Oklahoma
METRO Transit to offer free ride days on 3rd Friday of each month

OKLAHOMA CITY – According to AAA, Oklahoma gas prices in March were 30 cents higher than the same time last year. With gas prices on the rise and ozone alert season about to make its yearly debut, METRO Transit is providing solutions to reduce Oklahoma City citizen’s gas bill and carbon footprint.

Starting on April 20, METRO Transit is launching its annual Free Fare Fridays, offering free rides on the third Friday of each month during ozone alert season, April through September. Any time on April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17 and Sept. 21, on any route in Oklahoma City, METRO Transit bus rides are free for everyone.

Each METRO Transit bus has the potential to take 35 cars off the road, greatly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. According to the American Public Transportation Association, for every mile traveled on public transit, riders will produce 95 percent less carbon dioxide than driving.

“Oklahomans love their cars and trucks, but the strain of rising gas prices often generates interest in alternative methods of transportation,” said Michael Scroggins, public information manager for METRO Transit. “Along with helping the environment, Oklahomans will save money by taking the bus, especially if they start to use it regularly to get to work and school.”

According to the American Public Transportation Association, people who use public transportation save an average of $9,000 a year.

“We’re offering Free Fare Fridays to encourage Oklahomans who haven’t, to try the bus system,” Scroggins said. ”Ridership demand is growing. The more people decide to ride, the more money they save, the cleaner the environment, and the more robust the system can become.”

Last summer, ridership on Free Fare Fridays increased by 12 percent in June, 22 percent in July and 10 percent in August compared to 2010. As this year marks the second year of the campaign, Scroggins is hopeful to see ridership increase again.

To learn more about METRO Transit and view bus schedules and routes, visit gometro.org or call (405) 235-RIDE (7433) for personal trip plans from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about carpooling or to be matched with someone in your area, visit www.getaroundok.com.

John, maybe you could take advantage of this to plan some sort of rally at the OETA offices or the State Capitol to show your support for OETA funding...but then, most Fridays the legislators aren't in session....

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2012


METRO Transit Combats Rising Gas Prices and Ozone Alert Season in Central Oklahoma
METRO Transit to offer free ride days on 3rd Friday of each month

OKLAHOMA CITY – According to AAA, Oklahoma gas prices in March were 30 cents higher than the same time last year. With gas prices on the rise and ozone alert season about to make its yearly debut, METRO Transit is providing solutions to reduce Oklahoma City citizen’s gas bill and carbon footprint.

Starting on April 20, METRO Transit is launching its annual Free Fare Fridays, offering free rides on the third Friday of each month during ozone alert season, April through September. Any time on April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17 and Sept. 21, on any route in Oklahoma City, METRO Transit bus rides are free for everyone.

Each METRO Transit bus has the potential to take 35 cars off the road, greatly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. According to the American Public Transportation Association, for every mile traveled on public transit, riders will produce 95 percent less carbon dioxide than driving.

“Oklahomans love their cars and trucks, but the strain of rising gas prices often generates interest in alternative methods of transportation,” said Michael Scroggins, public information manager for METRO Transit. “Along with helping the environment, Oklahomans will save money by taking the bus, especially if they start to use it regularly to get to work and school.”

According to the American Public Transportation Association, people who use public transportation save an average of $9,000 a year.

“We’re offering Free Fare Fridays to encourage Oklahomans who haven’t, to try the bus system,” Scroggins said. ”Ridership demand is growing. The more people decide to ride, the more money they save, the cleaner the environment, and the more robust the system can become.”
Last summer, ridership on Free Fare Fridays increased by 12 percent in June, 22 percent in July and 10 percent in August compared to 2010. As this year marks the second year of the campaign, Scroggins is hopeful to see ridership increase again.

To learn more about METRO Transit and view bus schedules and routes, visit gometro.org (http://www.gometro.org) or call (405) 235-RIDE (7433) for personal trip plans from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about carpooling or to be matched with someone in your area, visit www.getaroundok.com (http://www.getaroundok.com).