During the month of August, public transit agencies around the state of Colorado are joining together to take part in the Zero Fare for Better Air initiative. This collaborative, statewide initiative is designed to reduce ground-level ozone by increasing use of transit throughout the entire month of August. Through a partnership with the Colorado Energy Office, made possible by Colorado Senate Bill 22-180, Durango Transit will offer free transit on all routes during Colorado’s high ozone season from August 1-31, 2022.
Approximately 85% of the greenhouse gas emissions that come from transportation are due to day-to-day commutes. By leaving the car at home, a person can save up to 20 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every day.
Other benefits to taking transit include:
- Cost savings
Taking the bus saves on car expenses including maintenance, parking, and fuel, which add up quickly. A household can save nearly $10,000 by taking public transportation and living with one less car. - Gas savings
With gas hovering around $5 per gallon, switching to public transit frees up additional funds in customers’ everyday budgets. In addition, public transportation saves the United States an estimated 6 billion gallons of gas each year! - Reduction in traffic
Taking public transit keeps cars off the road, limiting traffic congestion, air pollution, and ground-level ozone. - Reduction in stress
Taking public transit removes the stress and anxiety of battling everyday traffic. - Time savings
While taking public transit, customers can catch up on reading, emails, podcasts, or just sit back and relax. - Improved air quality
Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change. Using public transit creates 84% less carbon emissions than driving a car. That is a savings of 63 million metric tons annually.
To learn how to hop on board to participate in Zero Fare for Better Air, visit DurangoTransit.com or call (970) 259-5438.
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