DART announces a “Try Transit” Day in celebration of Earth Day, for the public to ride any of DART bus
services statewide for free, including Paratransit and DART Connect on Friday, April 22, 2022. 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.
“We continue to make significant investments in our public transportation system statewide. From new
transit facilities and amenities such as free Wi-Fi and cashless transactions, “Try Transit” Day is a great
opportunity to rethink your daily commute or local trip without the need for a car to get to your
destination,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. “Our more than 1,000 DART employees are
ready to welcome you and help you get to where you need to be!”
“With the high cost to fill up your tank and the weather becoming warmer, it’s the perfect time to offer free
rides to entice those who have never ridden the bus to see just how safe and convenient DART is. It’s also
our way of welcoming back former riders, and saying “thank you” to our loyal riders,” said John Sisson, CEO
of Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC).
The theme for this year’s Earth Day is “Invest In Our Planet.” By investing in clean commuting, such as
riding public transit, communities can do their part to reduce harmful emissions and reduce transportation
costs. It is estimated that just one bus full of riders is equal to 45 cars on the road, each of which produces
22 pounds of carbon dioxide for each gallon of gas. Driving a car 2,000 miles less in a year also saves 3,300
pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. DART encourages all to become a “Clean Air” Partner in Transit.
DTC operates several electric buses throughout the state. Quieter than diesel buses, electric buses save
thousands of dollars a year in fuel costs. By early 2023, DTC will operate 26 electric buses and be installing
additional in-route chargers for use across the State. DTC’s electric buses will comprise 10% of its entire
fixed-route bus fleet.
In 2014, DTC purchased five propane paratransit buses as a 2-year pilot. Today, the entire DART
paratransit fleet is now using propane. Propane autogas reduces greenhouse gases by up to 25%; 60% less
carbon monoxide; and fewer particulate emissions versus gasoline.
DART’s “Try Transit” Day is part of ongoing efforts to encourage the public to “Dump The Pump” by
avoiding rising gas prices and saving money by riding public transit. Some other ways the public is invited to do their share for cleaner air include:
• Share a ride with friends and fellow employees
• 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).
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