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OPERATIONS, SAFETY AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
MARCH 19, 2020
Subject
SUBJECT: FREE METRO BUS, RAIL, BIKE SHARE SERVICES ON EARTH DAY
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE Chief Executive Officer to make Bus, Rail, and Bike Share services free on Earth Day (April 22nd) on an annual basis, permanently.
Issue
ISSUE
In an effort to continue actions taken by the Agency to clean the air, reduce Green House Gas emissions and combat climate change, and to promote the use of public transportation, Metro supports making Bus, Rail, and Bike Share services free on Earth Day on an annual basis.
Background
BACKGROUND
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated to demonstrate support for environmental protection. In 2018 and 2019, Metro's Board of Directors directed staff to provide free Bus, Rail and Bike Share service as a way of advocating and promoting a healthy sustainable environment. The estimated ridership and usage for 2018 and 2019 are shown below.
Earth Day
Day of the Week
Bus and Rail Estimated Ridership
Bike Services
Estimated Usage
2018
Sunday
604,891
1,278
2019
Monday
1,201,529
795
Discussion
DISCUSSION
In 2020, Metro intends to blend National Get on Board Day goals, which focus on public transportation use, with Earth Day goals aimed to support environmental protection. Because these goals will resonate beyond today, staff is recommending making transit free on Earth Day annually.
Operations, TAP & Security & Law Enforcement
Metro will provide free Bus and Rail services all day and Bike Share will provide a promo code to customers that will allow for free thirty-minute single rides, accessible via station kiosks. Operations, TAP, Security & Law Enforcement departments will coordinate to ensure a safe and efficient operation on Earth Day.
Communications
Metro will inform customers about the free services using various communication outlets, including traditional and ...
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