Salisbury city buses again will offer free rides this summer on orange and red “ozone action days.”
This is the third year for the program, which is under way and will run through Sept. 30.
Funding comes from a Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) grant.
The program aims at creating health consciousness and improving air quality by encouraging drivers to make use of the public transit system.
“The free bus fare program is a wonderful way to reduce air pollution by making a simple change in our daily lives,” Salisbury Mayor Susan Kluttz said in a release.
“Our city strives to be a good steward of the environment, and the use of our public transit system to reduce emissions is a vital means to improving air quality in Salisbury.”
By 5 p.m., the Salisbury Transit Division receives the local air quality and ozone level report forecast for the following day. If the local forecast predicts an orange or red ozone action day, the free ride program will be in effect.
Citizens can contact the Transit Hotline at 704-216-7537 after 7 p.m. to receive an updated ozone status report for the next day.
Citizens also can visit the city of Salisbury’s Transit Division Web page at www.salisburync.gov/transit for an ozone update.
Regular bus fares are $1, while the disabled and senior citizens ride for 50 cents a trip.
Transfers and children under the age of 5 are free. Riders may board and disembark from any designated bus stop throughout the city or at the transfer site on Depot Street, located adjacent to the Amtrak Train Station.
City buses arrive and depart daily from the transfer site at 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after the hour. Bus service is available Monday through Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 pm.
City buses don’t operate on Sunday.
“The city of Salisbury is proud to do our part locally to improve air quality,” Transit Division Manager Rodney Harrison said. “The free ride program offers an opportunity to highlight the value of our bus service to the community. This program also allows first-time riders to experience our transit system for absolutely no charge.”
Salisbury buses travel to numerous major shopping destinations throughout the city including the Salisbury Mall, Wal-Mart, Innes Street Market, Magic Mart, K-Mart and the Ketner Center.
The bus system also travels to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Livingstone College and within blocks of Catawba College.
The Employment Security Commission, Post Office, Health Department, Rowan Regional Medical Center, Hefner VA Medical Center and the Department of Social Services are included within the Transit system’s normal daily route.
There are frequent bus stops in downtown Salisbury. In addition, city bus routes include destinations in Spencer and East Spencer.
The city slogan designed to promote the ozone action days encourages citizens to “Help Clear the Air … with FREE Bus Fare!”
Ozone is the main component of urban smog and can be harmful to one’s health. Even at low levels, ozone can cause a number of respiratory effects, particularly in susceptible individuals such as young children, the elderly or those with asthma and breathing difficulties.
Ground level ozone concentrations are more likely to surpass safe health levels on hot days with slight or no wind and temperatures around 90 degrees or above.
Harrison said high ozone concentrations usually occur between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m .and that stagnant air masses, occurring in late summer, can trap and hold ozone near the surface.
“Posters, flyers, maps and banners are currently being distributed throughout our city,” Harrison said.
Maps outlining transit route, arrival and departure times are available at the City Office Building, 132 N. Main Street, or at Salisbury Parks and Recreation centers.
“We encourage our citizens to benefit from the free bus ride initiative and leave the driving to us,” Harrison said.