Today, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) launched Zero Fare for Better Air – a collaborative, statewide initiative designed to reduce ground-level ozone by increasing use of transit. Through a partnership with the Colorado Energy Office, made possible by Colorado Senate Bill 22-180, RTD will offer zero fares during the month of August.

Approximately 85% of the greenhouse gas emissions that come from transportation are due to day-to-day commutes. By leaving the car at home, a person can save up to 20 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every day.

Other benefits to taking transit include:

• Cost savings  
  Taking the bus and train saves on car expenses including maintenance, parking, and tolls, which add up quickly. A household can save nearly $10,000 by taking public transportation and living with one less car. 
• Gas savings
  With gas hovering around $5 per gallon, switching to public transit frees up additional funds in customers’ everyday budgets. In addition, public transportation saves the United States an estimated 6 billion gallons of gas each year!
• Reduction in traffic 
  Taking public transit keeps cars off the road, limiting traffic congestion, air pollution, and
  ground-level ozone. 
• Reduction in stress 
  Taking public transit removes the stress and anxiety of battling everyday traffic.
• Time savings  
  While taking public transit, customers can catch up on reading, emails, podcasts, or just sit back
  and relax.
• Improved air quality 
  Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change. Using public transit creates 84% less carbon emissions than driving a car. That is a savings of 63 million metric
  tons annually.

To learn how to hop on board to participate in Zero Fare for Better Air, visit rtd-denver.com/zerofare.com.