Transit agencies across the U.S. have announced how they plan to celebrate Earth Day on April 22.

MBTA, Keolis to Launch Sweepstakes

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis) launched the “Why Go Green with Purple Sweepstakes?” to highlight how small actions can have a dramatic impact on reducing your carbon footprint.

The sweepstakes are part of the larger “Go Green with Purple” campaign, which educates the public about the environmental benefits of taking the Commuter Rail versus driving alone.

“Public transportation is one of the most effective ways to reduce our carbon footprint, improving air quality for a more sustainable and healthy living environment for generations to come,” said Phillip Eng, MBTA GM. “We are pleased to partner with our Commuter Rail operator promoting transit.  So, whether you are traveling for work, pleasure or just visiting, get out of your car, sit back, and leave the driving to us.”

MARTA Trip Giveaway

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) announced it will mark the occasion by giving free trips to the first 10,000 customers who downloaded the new Breeze Mobile 2.0 app.

“Every day is Earth Day at MARTA,” said Collie Greenwood, MARTA GM/EO. “While using transit, itself is a climate solution, we continue to lower our carbon footprint by switching to a zero-emission fleet, ensuring our facilities are energy-efficient, and providing healthy community amenities such as fresh markets, neighborhood gardens, and soccer pitches.”

Metrolink, LA Metro Offering Free Rides

Metrolink is featuring rider-taken photographs at a Los Angeles Union Station exhibit to celebrate Earth Day. 

Metrolink's “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Rides” photo exhibit highlights select images submitted by riders as part of an Earth Day photo contest, as well as works by local photographer Erwin Recinos. 

On Earth Day, Metrolink will provide free rides all day, on all trains. Riders can use promo code “EarthDay2023” to redeem their free ride at ticket machines and on the mobile app. 

“We hope that through this fun photo contest and the temporary photo exhibit, we can encourage the public to consider using Metrolink trains with greater frequency,” said Darren Kettle, Metrolink CEO. “Whether it’s for work or leisure travel, if everyone commits to small changes in their modes of transportation, we can make a positive and lasting impact on our air quality and environment.”

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Metro announced it is also offering free rides on April 22.

"Earth Day is a huge deal for us because sustainability is baked into Metro’s mission," the agency said in a statement. "Our aim is to give everyone a great alternative to driving to help reduce traffic and the damage congestion causes to the environment and public health."

BTD's Promotion

Brazos Transit District announced free fixed-route and ADA transportation throughout the following cities on Friday, April 21, 2023: Bryan, College Station, Cleveland, Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Diboll, Dayton, Liberty, and Ames.

This initiative is aimed at promoting environmentally friendly public transportation and reducing carbon emissions within the city, according to the agency's news release.

“The free rides on Earth Day will be a welcomed treat for our current customers and provides a terrific opportunity for those who are new to transit to experience our sustainable and community-minded mode of transportation," said John McBeth, CEO of BTD.