Caltrain and Transit District to "Spare the Fare"

Caltrain and SamTrans will participate in the “Spare the Air” efforts being promoted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District by offering free morning commutes on the bus and train systems.

The program will be offered between June 1 and Oct. 14 for up to five “Spare the Air” days on non-holiday weekdays. Caltrain and SamTrans passengers, along with riders on the other 19 transit systems participating in the promotion, will ride free between the start of service and 9 a.m.

The estimated $3.9 million cost to cover those fares will be paid by the air district and MTC using federal transportation dollars allocated to the Bay Area.

The air district declares a “Spare the Air” day when it expects air pollution to reach unhealthy concentrations, which typically occur on hot, windless days. Advisories are issued the afternoon before a “Spare the Air” day and are well publicized through media outlets, employers and the AirAlerts network. The public can receive advance notification by registering for an AirAlert at www.sparetheair.org, or learn more about the “Free Morning Commute” promotion at www.511.org.

5/27/05