Orange, Calif.-based Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is celebrating its 40th year of bus service with free bus rides the week of June 18.

In 1972, OCTA began bus service with eight buses along three routes. Forty years later, the agency operates a fleet of 550 buses along 77 routes throughout Orange County.

“On a daily basis, 170,000 people board an OCTA bus and we look forward to continuing to serve Orange County by getting our residents and visitors where they need to go for another 40 years,” said OCTA Chair Paul Glaab, also the mayor of Laguna Niguel.

As part of the anniversary celebration, the public is encouraged to take part in Dump the Pump week, June 18 to 22 by pledging online to forgo the gas pump and take the bus, train, carpool, ride a bike, walk or telecommute. Those who pledge will receive a coupon for a free one-day bus pass.

“The success of this agency is driven by our loyal customers and we want thank them, and encourage new riders, by offering the opportunity to ride the bus for free,” said Glaab.

You can find more information on OCTA’s 40th Anniversary here.