METRO Transit to offer free ride day on Friday, June 15th.

Friday would be a great day to take your family on an adventure for free. While your kids are out on summer vacation, this is a great opportunity for them to learn about taking public transportation. When I was 9, I started taking the bus downtown to the library and to the YMCA where I had a youth membership. If you can't go with your kids, and you have a precocious child/children, give him/her/them permission to explore the city on Friday. Just have them be home by 6 pm since we don't provide evening transit service. Before you go exploring, show your kids how to use the bus schedule here: http://www.gometro.org/schedules and have your kids show you how they would go from your home (or another starting point like a mall) to a destination like the zoo, their favorite library or bricktown -- and how they would get home -- even if you go with them. This is a good mental exercise that will benefit them in their travels anywhere in the world.


Here's Metro Transit's press release:

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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 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.