SamTrans and Caltrain will offer free rides on June 19, as part of the region’s planned Spare the Air Free Ride Day. To promote the benefits of using public transportation, SamTrans will be free all day and Caltrain will be free until noon. Fares will be reimbursed through a grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

June 19, the only free ride day this year, is being announced in advance to give the public the opportunity to plan ahead to take transit. The day also coincides with the national Dump the Pump Day.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issues Spare the Air alerts when the air quality is predicted to be unhealthy. Officials encourage people to take public transportation on those days. Concerned citizens can sign up for Spare the Air email alerts on the district’s Web site: www.sparetheair.org

For trip planning assistance, call 1.800.660.4287 (TTY only 650.508.6448).

06/12/08 - crd
Media Contact: Christine Dunn, 650-508-6238