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A summer of free rides, new bicycle to be awarded RIVERSIDE, CA — April 17, 2009 — The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) announced today that it will participate in Earth Day on April 22 by encouraging Inland residents to ride public transit to help improve the environment and conserve gasoline.
Hoping to bring more awareness of public transit’s role in improving air quality, RTA will give away a donated bike and three months of free rides to one lucky passenger who rides on Earth Day. Customers simply send RTA their validated Day Pass, 7-Day or 31-Day passes showing they rode on April 22 and they will be entered into the drawing. The first 50 people who enter the drawing will get a free Day Pass. Passes for the drawing may be sent to P.O. Box 59968, Riverside, CA 92517-1968, Attention Earth Day Contest. Passes will be accepted through May 5. The contest is sponsored by Valley Power Systems Inc. and Walmart of Moreno Valley.
“RTA has long been a champion of cleaner, greener technologies and practices in public transit and we want our customers to know how much of an impact they have on the environment by riding,” said RTA Chairman of the Board Karen Spiegel.
When it comes to bus operations, RTA has pioneered the use of cleaner-burning fuels. In 2001, the Agency replaced its entire fleet of diesel buses with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and with growing concern over climate change, continues to explore innovative ways to expand its influence in environmentally positive ways. Recently, RTA joined a handful of transit agencies across America to work with Korean engine manufacturer Doosan to develop a new type of CNG engine that’s cleaner-burning and more fuel-efficient than existing CNG engines. If successful, RTA could expand the technology to its entire fleet.
Nationwide, public transit helps reduce smog-forming pollutants and greenhouse gases. Public transit generates nearly 50 percent less carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide per passenger mile as private vehicles, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
The Riverside Transit Agency provides public transportation for Western Riverside County, operating 39 fixed routes, 7 commuter routes and Dial-A-Ride service. RTA’s service area spans 2,500 square miles, the second largest in the nation. For bus route and schedule information contact RTA at (800) 800-7821 or log on to our website at www.RiversideTransit.com. |
