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It's Free For All!

For Immediate Release

For More Information Contact:
Adam Shaivitz, 369-6027
Web site: www.capmetro.org

It's Free For All!
Capital Metro Continues to Provide Free Rides on Ozone Action Days

AUSTIN, Texas, April 10, 2006 - Capital Metro buses will continue to be free to passengers on all routes on Ozone Action Days in 2006. Ozone season runs from April 1 through October 31 when temperatures, and as a result ozone levels, are at their highest.

This marks the 13th year Capital Metro has been providing free rides to customers on Ozone Action Days, and is one component of the agency's overall efforts to reduce emissions and improve the air throughout the region. On Ozone Action Days, Capital Metro sees an average increase in ridership by up to eight percent.

"Air quality is a global issue, and Capital Metro is pleased to provide this valuable service to the Austin community as a Clean Air Partner, said" Capital Metro President and CEO Fred Gilliam. "By utilizing the free bus service on Ozone Action Days, Austin residents are helping the city to reduce not only traffic congestion, but also dangerous ozone emissions."

Ozone pollution is the periodic increase in the concentration of ozone in the natural air that surrounds us. When temperatures are high, sunshine is strong and winds are weak, ozone can accumulate to unhealthy levels. Ground-level ozone is the most prevalent air pollutant in Texas and the nation, and one of several pollutants that make up "smog," which forms when air quality is particularly poor. But because ozone itself is colorless, the air can look clear even when high ozone concentrations are present.

In addition to providing free bus service on Ozone Action Days, Capital Metro works year-round to preserve air quality through its efficient use of fuel, its fleet and its facilities. In fact, Capital Metro is the first organization in Central Texas to use ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), which emits fewer airborne pollutants than regular diesel fuel - 92.5 percent fewer sulfur dioxide emissions.

Capital Metro is also one of only a few transit authorities in the nation and the only one in Texas selected for a pilot program to test new environmentally friendly buses powered by a hybridelectric combination. The two hybrid vehicles use half as much fuel as diesel buses and cut exhaust emissions, like carbon monoxide, up to 90 percent. The buses are quieter, more efficient and have much lower emissions than their diesel counterparts, without losing any performance.

In July of 2004, Capital Metro launched the GREENride pilot program to test the feasibility of offering hybrid-fuel cars as part of its RideShare program. The pilot project placed 15 Toyota Prius gas/electric autos into use as carpools serving Clean Air Partner work locations throughout the region. The Prius cars have a 12-gallon tank and currently get 41 miles per gallon of gasoline.

In addition to helping the entire community ease traffic and environmental issues, finding an alternative transportation method to work can help both employers and employees save on driving, parking and insurance costs; reduce stress; increase productivity and morale; and provide possible tax benefits.

"At Capital Metro, we strive to maintain the beautiful Austin landscape and its air quality, added Gilliam."However, community-wide efforts are crucial to the preservation of our environment. Together, we can all make a difference."

About Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority provides bus service on flexible, convenient schedules at more than 3,000 bus stops throughout Central Texas, providing riders with an average of 130,000 one-way trips each day. Capital Metro's fixed route bus service includes 66 metro and flyer routes, seven downtown circulator `Dillo routes, seven express routes and 22 UT shuttle routes. Capital Metro also offers 30 AISD school routes, van and carpooling coordination, shuttles to special events and special transit services for the disabled. Plans are underway to begin Rapid bus service in 2007 and urban commuter rail service in 2008. For more information, including an online trip planner and a commute cost calculator, visit www.capmetro.org or call (512) 474-1200.


line seperatorCapital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200