In celebration of Earth Day, DART First State is offering an opportunity for the public to ride any of its DART bus services statewide for free Wednesday, April 22, including paratransit. This promotion will not only help raise awareness of the planet’s environmental challenges, but also highlight the many benefits of using public transportation.

Choosing sustainable commuting methods like public transit helps communities decrease pollution while saving money on travel. According to the most recent data provided by the American Public Transportation Association, estimates show the average household spends 16 cents of every dollar on transportation, and 93% of this goes to buying, maintaining and operating cars. Households can save nearly $13,000 by taking public transportation and living with one less car. Communities that invest in public transit reduce the nation’s carbon emissions by 63 million metric tons annually. DART encourages everyone to become a Clean Air Partner in Transit.

“We continue to work to make our public transportation system accessible to more customers across the state,” said Shanté Hastings, Delaware Department of Transportation secretary. “With gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon currently, Try Transit Day is a chance to save money and see how we can help you spend less time behind the wheel.”

“DART First State offers safe, convenient and affordable public transit options throughout Delaware. By providing this free Try Transit Day, we aim to encourage more Delaware residents to experience and take advantage of the outstanding services DART First State has to offer,” said John Sisson, CEO of Delaware Transit Corporation.

DART’s Try Transit Day is part of its ongoing Save Green Ride Clean campaign to encourage the public to avoid rising gas prices and save money by riding public transit.

Other ways the public is invited to do their share for cleaner air include:

• Find rides and earn rewards by registering with Delaware Commute Solutions

• Walk or ride a bicycle for short, easy trips

• Drive smoothly; avoid long idling and jackrabbit starts

• Postpone refueling vehicles until evening and don't top off the tank

• Postpone mowing the lawn with gasoline-powered mowers until evening

• Avoid lighting a charcoal barbecue using lighter fluid

• Use latex rather than oil-based paints.

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation, operates DART First State. For more information, go to DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART.