Pasadena Transit to Offer Free Rides on Earth Day in Push for Sustainability

Pasadena Transit and Pasadena Dial-A-Ride will offer free rides on Monday, April 22, as part of a broader push by transit agencies across Los Angeles County to promote sustainability and combat climate change, a Pasadena city official said.

The free fare day in Pasadena coincides with a similar initiative by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which will provide complimentary rides on its bus, rail, bike share and Metro Micro services systemwide on Earth Day. Metrolink, the region’s commuter rail network, will also waive ticket requirements on all its trains for the day.

“Every Day is Earth Day at Los Angeles Metro,” said Los Angeles Metro Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Wiggins. “Transit is the cleanest way to travel, and by using our electric trains and low-emission buses, you can lower your carbon footprint by 45 percent compared to driving. This Earth Day, we encourage Angelenos to take a free ride on Metro, leave the car at home and enjoy everything Los Angeles County has to offer.”

Los Angeles Metro said it has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 63 percent since 2017 through fleet electrification and system retrofits. Its G Line (Orange) and J Line (Silver) run on electric power, while the bus fleet consists of 2,200 compressed natural gas vehicles. The agency’s entire 105-mile rail system also operates on electricity.

To commemorate Earth Day and the agency’s sustainability efforts, Los Angeles Metro will distribute limited-edition TAP fare cards made from bamboo, a renewable resource. The cards can be used for travel on Metro and 26 other transit systems, with a lifespan of up to 15 years.

All Los Angeles Metro buses and trains will be free from 3 a.m. on April 22 until 2:59 a.m. the following day, with fareboxes deactivated and station gates opened. Metro Bike Share will offer free 30-minute rides using a promotional code, while Metro Micro, an on-demand electric rideshare service, will also have a code for complimentary trips during its regular operating hours.

New riders can plan their transit trips using tools available at Los Angeles Metro’s website, metro.net/riderapps. More information on the agency’s environmental policies and programs can be found at metro.net/sustainability.