Pasadena Transit, Metro Offer Free Rides for Earth Day

Pasadena Transit, LA Metro and Metrolink are offering free rides throughout Tuesday as part of a coordinated Earth Day initiative to promote sustainable transportation across Southern California.

The free service began at 3 a.m. Tuesday and will continue until 2:59 a.m. Wednesday. Fareboxes on buses have been deactivated and train station gates opened to facilitate the regional effort.

“This Earth Day, I am applauding our millions of LA Metro riders. Taking transit is one of the best ways to lower your carbon footprint and we are making LA Metro an even cleaner option by investing in electric trains and low-emission buses,” said Janice Hahn, Metro Board Chair and L.A. County Supervisor.

Metro’s free services extend beyond regular bus and rail options. LA Metro’s bike share program is offering complimentary 30-minute rides with promo code 042225, valid for multiple uses throughout the day and applicable to electric bikes. The Metro Micro ride-share program is also free Tuesday, though customers must download the new app.

Metrolink trains are running fare-free on all lines, including Arrow service, with no tickets required.

“An experience aboard Metrolink can inspire people to make more sustainable choices—not just on Earth Day, but every day,” said Doug Chaffee, Metrolink Board Chair.

LADOT Transit is providing free rides on all DASH, Commuter Express and LAnow services. Riders using LAnow must enter code EARTH2025 for the free service.

The Orange County Transportation Authority has also joined the initiative, offering free rides on OC buses throughout Earth Day.

The coordinated effort highlights regional environmental commitments. Pasadena Transit, which runs on renewable natural gas made from organic materials, reflects the city’s aggressive climate goals. In 2023, Pasadena City Council declared a climate emergency and set a target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, well ahead of California’s 2045 recommendation.

Pasadena has also adopted a Zero Emission Bus Rollout Plan with a schedule to have fully zero-emission bus fleets by 2026.

Transit officials emphasize that the day’s free services represent a united approach toward cleaner air, reduced emissions and a more sustainable Southern California.