For the second year in a row, Wichita Transit saw a substantial increase in riders during Free Fares Week, June 15-20, a promotion designed to raise awareness about Transit services, increase ridership, and help the environment.
There were 60,411 rides during the week, up 3 percent compared to Free Fares Week 2014 and a 64 percent increase in rides from a typical week in June.
Free Fares Week is designed to bring awareness of choosing alternate modes of transportation – such as transit - to promote improving air quality in Wichita. During Free Fares Week, an estimated 650 pounds of nitrogen oxides and 348 pounds of volatile organic compounds were avoided. Both are a key ingredients in the development of the harmful air pollutant Ozone.
Free Fares Week was not the last opportunity for Free Fares this year. Ozone Alert Days will also offer Free Fares Days. Ozone Alerts Days occur when ozone levels are expected to be high. Choosing a ride on public transit instead of driving a car on Ozone Alert Days will help keep ozone levels low in order to avoid exceeding federal ozone limits and related fines.
Ozone Alert Day notices will be available on highway marquees, local news outlets and the city of Wichita and Wichita Transit websites and social media sites. Please sign up for Ozone Alert Day email notifications.
Free Fares is funded by the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WAMPO) as a project to reduce congestion and improve air quality in the Wichita metro region.
