State employees who live in the Nashville area and work downtown will soon be able to ride to work for free, under an agreement reached with the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). The program, which began October 2, allows state employees to apply for a “Smart Card” they’ll use to ride MTA buses to and from work. “It’s good for the environment and it saves commuting expenses for state workers while helping the state with its growing need for parking spaces,” said Department of General Services Commissioner Gwendolyn S. Davis. The state will pay MTA $1.15 for each ride logged on the cards, which are free unless a replacement card is necessary. With public transportation available in all 95 Tennessee counties, the state could pursue similar agreements with public transportation agencies in other areas of the state.