Take transit to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Fleet Week events

As the Bay Area celebrates California Clean Air Day on Wednesday, Oct. 1, MTC is encouraging people to take the Clean Air Pledge and ride transit, especially to upcoming events including this weekend’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park and to San Francisco Fleet Week events Oct. 5 through 13.

Organizers of the 8th annual California Clean Air Day invite Californians to pledge to do their part for cleaner air.  Residents do not have to make a big change to make a difference – they can start small to build healthy air habits. 

On Oct. 1, take transit or carpool instead of driving alone – trying a cleaner commute option just once may encourage you to choose a “greener” option in the future. 

It’s fast and easy to ride transit using Clipper®, the Bay Area’s all-in-one transit card. Learn where to get a plastic Clipper card or how to add Clipper to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet at ClipperCard.com.

Taking transit or carpooling can help you save money:

• Most Bay Area employers participate in MTC’s Commuter Benefits Program, which offers pre-tax benefits and other cost-saving options when you choose not to drive to work alone.
• People ages 19-64 with lower incomes may qualify for the Clipper® START℠ transit fare discount program.
• Riders ages 5-18 and seniors over 65 can apply for a Youth or Senior Clipper card for access to reduced fares and discounted passes.
• The Casual Carpool program has been re-launched by fans of the old program – see if the new routes might work for your commute. (It’s free to participate in Casual Carpool, though most riders will pitch in $1 to contribute toward driver expenses.)

If driving is your only option, consider the Air District’s Clean Cars for All program, which helps residents of communities with poor air quality upgrade their personal vehicles for ones that are better for the air.

However you choose to get around, keep an eye on Spare the Air Day alerts. When the Bay Area’s air quality is expected to be poor, learn which  steps you can take to contribute to healthier air for everyone.