Wheels Bus, Hacienda Recognize 5 Millionth Passenger for ECO Pass Program

 Marking a milestone in a longstanding, unprecedented public-private partnership, the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), operator of the Wheels bus service, and Hacienda today note that Hacienda employees and residents have surpassed five million passenger trips utilizing Hacienda’s free ECO Pass program.

Established in 1989 and funded by Hacienda, the ECO Pass program creates a convenient way for people who either live or work in Hacienda to use transit to get to work, school, and local businesses by providing free unlimited bus rides.

“We are pleased to celebrate the 5 millionth Hacienda Wheels bus rider,” said Councilman Don Biddle, LAVTA chair. “LAVTA’s partnership with Hacienda is a model to deliver a convenient and affordable commute alternative that improves air quality and reduces traffic congestion.”

“Since 1989 with the ECO Pass program, these 5 million trips on transit instead of a 17.5 mile daily average trip in a single-occupant vehicle, saved over 18 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and over 85 million vehicle miles traveled,” said Michael Tree, LAVTA’s executive director. “The ECO Pass program demonstrates Hacienda’s commitment to both environmental stewardship and providing the best possible working and living environment,” said James Paxson, Hacienda’s general manager. “Hacienda and LAVTA’s longstanding success also represents a model relationship and a public-private partnership of remarkable longevity.”