Transit riders enjoy 2 for 1 fares on Clean Air Day

Ottawa – OC Transpo and the Société de Transport de l’Outaouais (STO) have teamed up to do their part for the environment. When OC Transpo and STO customers pay a fare by pass, smart card, cash or ticket on Clean Air Day (Wednesday, June 4), companions can ride for free. 

The one-day ‘Bring a friend’ offer encourages commuters to find more environmentally friendly ways to get to work. By choosing smart alternatives like public transit, residents can help protect the environment by reducing the number of motorized vehicles on the road. 

“People can celebrate Clean Air Day by encouraging family and friends to use transit,” said Ottawa Mayor Bob Chiarelli. “We hope many of the residents who take up the challenge today will continue to use transit in the future. The choice for more sustainable modes of transportation contributes to a better, greener city, and provides a quality of life in Ottawa which is second to none.” 

“The problem is real and solutions exist,” said Lawrence Cannon, Chairman of the STO. “Public transit is one of those solutions. A single bus can carry as many people as 40 to 50 cars can. People can make a major difference by using transit. It reduces pollution and airborne emissions, and saves on health costs associated with air quality. Transit also reduces congestion and saves on vehicle costs and spending on roads.” 

Also, during Canadian Environment Week cities across the country are taking part in the Commuter Challenge, a weeklong competition between Canadian cities to see which one can reduce its air pollution the most by using more active and sustainable modes of transportation. Residents make a commitment to choose an alternative way of getting around the city – such as walking, biking or taking public transit – then inform the Commuter Challenge team of the distance they traveled.

Residents can register for the Commuter Challenge on the Web at www.commuterchallenge.net or by phone at (613) 580-2582. The offer is not limited to new passengers; residents who regularly travel by transit are also encouraged to register.  

Residents who are using transit for the first time can obtain trip-planning and scheduling information at any OC Transpo Sales and Information Centre by calling (613) 741-4390 or visiting www.octranspo.com. To get more information about the STO, bus schedules and routes, residents can consult the User's Guide, the STO Web site at www.sto.ca or contact Information at 770-3242.

The Clean Air Day 2 for 1 fares offer is the 32^nd announcement in the City of Ottawa’s 100 in 200 Campaign. Every day, the City makes significant investments in the things that matter most to people, including public transit, green spaces, safety, public services, and public health. This campaign, which continues until Thanksgiving 2003, highlights the scale and scope of these initiatives, and demonstrates how the City constantly works to make Ottawa a greener, healthier, and better community for everyone. 

For more information:       

City of Ottawa
Communications & Marketing
(613) 580-2450
   

Société de transport de l'Outaouais
Céline Gauthier
Conseillère en communication
(819) 770-7900, poste 6937