(Kansas City, Mo. – June 3, 2016) When the air gets hot and heavy this summer, there’s a way to save money and help the environment.
During the months of June through September, RideKC will pick up part of the cost of riding the bus on Ozone Alert days, when there is a high concentration of ground-level ozone pollution.
Fares on Ozone Alert days cost 75 cents, which is just half the cost of riding most routes offered by RideKC. The reduced fares will be available regionally on local and express routes served by in KCATA, Unified Government Transit, IndeBus and transit in Johnson County.
Ditching the car for a bus on Ozone Alert days can help cut auto emissions, which are a major contributor to ground-level ozone.
Ozone’s harmful effects can include eye, nose and throat irritation; chest pain; coughing; nausea; and headaches. Ozone can also trigger asthma attacks, permanently damaging a person’s lungs. Many people are sensitive to ozone, especially while being active outdoors. Children, senior citizens, those working or playing outdoors, and people with respiratory disease are at a higher risk from ozone exposure.
Ozone Alert days are noted on many buses’ overhead signs. They are also broadcast by local media outlets. The ozone forecast is available at (913) 383-7557, at www.marc.org, on www.twitter.com at @airqkc, and most local weather forecasts.
“The reduced fares are a great way the entire region can join together to reduce the harmful effects of air pollution,” KCATA Chief Communications Officer Cindy Baker said. “Not only are our riders saving at least 50 percent on bus fare, they are helping our environment.”
Riders can be ready to use the reduced fare by planning their trips now. Customers can plan their trip and learn how to travel with RideKC at http://ridekc.org/. The Regional Call Center offers route and schedule information for all RideKC bus service at (816) 221-0660. The center is open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays.