DART announces “Try Transit” for free, in celebration of Earth Day, Monday, April 22, 2024. The public is invited to ride any of DART bus services statewide, including Paratransit and DART Connect. This day will not only be an opportunity to raise awareness for the planet’s environmental challenges, but also to highlight the many benefits of using public transportation.
By investing in clean commuting, such as riding public transit, communities can do their part to reduce harmful emissions and reduce transportation costs. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), it is estimated that the average household spends 16 cents of every dollar on transportation, and 93% of this goes to buying, maintaining, and operating cars. Households can save nearly $13,000 by taking public transportation and living with one less car. Communities that invest in public transit, reduce the nation’s carbon emissions by 63 million metric tons annually. DART encourages all to become a “Clean Air” Partner in Transit.
“Earth Day is a great opportunity to try transit for free and reduce the number of vehicles on the road,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. “Transportation accounts for roughly 30 percent of the greenhouse gases across our state that pollute our air and contribute to climate change. Using public transportation is an easy way to help ease the impact gas-powered vehicles have on our air quality and environment.”
“DTC’s commitment remains strong in reaching our goal to reduce emissions by 50% by the year 2030. We continue investing in green technology and growing our fleet of zero-emission buses to provide transit services that contribute to the protection of our environment.” said John Sisson, CEO of Delaware Transit Corporation.
DART is continuing its ongoing efforts to help our planet and to encourage the public to “Dump The Pump” by avoiding high gas prices and saving money by riding public transit. Some other ways the public is invited to do their share for cleaner air include:
• Find Rides and Earn Rewards by registering with Delaware Commute Solutions
• Walk or ride a bicycle for short, easy trips
• If you do drive, drive smoothly and avoid long idling and jackrabbit starts
• Postpone refueling your car until the evening – and don’t “top off” your tank
• Postpone mowing the lawn with gasoline-powered mowers until evening
• Avoid lighting your charcoal barbecue with starter lighter fluid
• Use latex rather than oil-based paints
The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State. For more information, please visit www.DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART. Real-Time Bus Information and DART Pass, the mobile fare payment option, are both available on the free DART Transit App (iOS and Android).
