Save the earth, ride the bus for free on April 22

Metro Transit is offering free rides on all buses, all day on Sunday, April 22 to celebrate Earth Day.

"Earth Day is a great day to take one new action to protect our environment by generating less pollution and reducing global warming," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "Rather than drive alone in your own vehicle, just hop on a Metro bus that Sunday to shop, worship, or run errands. It’s a great way to make a difference that’s good for planet Earth."

Sims said that for those who have never ridden a Metro bus, or ride infrequently, this is a chance to explore the bus system at their own pace, and experience a healthy alternative to driving alone. Any time on Earth Day, anywhere in King County, bus rides are free for everyone. There is no need to worry about transferring from Metro to Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit or Pierce Transit bus service, either. All of those agencies are also marking Earth Day by offering free rides.

Metro makes it easy for people to take their first step towards trying its many services. A great way to get started is to visit Metro Online and explore all the travel options available.

Here are some tips on making the most of the free ride day on Sunday:

• If you are not sure where to go, try the regional online Trip Planner. Simply put in beginning and end points and the desired time of travel. Trip Planner will present a personalized trip plan showing available routes, locations, and times;
• Call one of Metro’s Rider Information Specialists at (206) 553-3000 for personal assistance. Help is available 24/7;
• Go somewhere fun by checking out Metro’s popular destinations webpage;
• When researching an Earth Day trip, be sure to look at the bus schedules for "Sunday" service;
• If there is not a lot of bus service on Sunday in your neighborhood, consider making a short drive to one of the many park-and-ride lots around the county and beginning and ending your bus trip there. Park-and-ride information can be found online. Once again, make sure there is Sunday bus service at that location.

Metro suggests that while planning your free travel on April 22, also check out the service available during the week. There is much more bus service during weekdays and peak commute hours, with many convenient connections between home, work or park-and-ride lots around the county.

Metro Transit is one of the "greenest" transit agencies in the nation. The fleet of 1,350 buses and 800 vans includes hybrid-diesel electric buses, electric trolleys, and diesel coaches that run on the cleanest fuels available. Metro is a nationwide leader in the use of alternative fuel. The majority of its fleet operates on a 20 percent mix of biodiesel.