Public Transit Agencies Celebrate Earth Day!

Public transit agencies across the U.S. celebrated Earth Day (April 22) by offering free rides, staging special events, and highlighting their commitment to environmental sustainability and clean operations.

In Boston, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), Keolis Commuter Services, and MassDOT employees came together to clean up four MBTA commuter rail stations along the Fairmount Line, including Uphams Corner, Four Corners/Geneva, Talbot Ave, and Morton Street Stations.

“Earth Day isn’t just one day, it’s every day. Our collective workforce across MassDOT, Keolis, and the MBTA are proud to do our part, protecting the future and serving the public cleaning up areas adjacent to stations along the Fairmount Line,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “Our employees are embedded in the very neighborhoods we serve, and their acts of volunteer service are just one way to demonstrate the care and commitment we have toward those communities.”

“At Keolis, our commitment to a green future is part of our DNA,” said Keolis Commuter Services General Manager Abdellah Chajai. “I want to thank the Fairmount Community for hosting us and the MBTA and MassDOT for partnering with us to celebrate Earth Day with these cleanup events.”

In addition to station cleanups, the MBTA distributed 280 slips of seed paper cut in the shape of a bus at elementary schools across the Greater Boston region. When planted, the seed paper will grow into flowers.

“Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll envision a Massachusetts where we all work together—where every effort, from improving access to public transportation and expanding housing options, to building climate-resilient infrastructure and strengthening education and workforce training, is a team effort focused on making life better for people,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “By taking part in Earth Day events, our employees show their commitment not just to public service, but to the greater good. We thank them for volunteering, and we’re grateful to everyone doing their part to protect and improve our environment.”

For the second year in a row, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration offered a day of free transit on Earth Day.

“Earth Day is a timely reminder of the urgent need to protect our planet for future generations, and public transit plays a pivotal role in that effort,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “We hope offering free transit on Earth Day inspires more people to choose transit as a sustainable alternative to driving alone.”

In addition, in partnership with the Maryland Department of the Environment and Maryland State Department of Education, MTA announced the winners of the second annual Earth Day Art Competition. Specially designed zero-emission buses have been wrapped with original artwork from six Maryland youths that highlights environmental stewardship, sustainability, and the importance of public transit in building a greener future.

This year’s Earth Day buses feature artwork by the following young artists from Baltimore City and Baltimore, Prince George’s, and Montgomery counties:

• “Healthy Environment” by Madison Carter, 8, of Fort Washington
• “Happy Bus Ride” by Nora Mercelis, 8, of Baltimore
• “Save Our Beautiful Bay” by Lucille Shellhammer, 9, of Nottingham
• “The Road to Green!” by Alexis Bowers, 9, of Clinton
• “Cherry Blossom Commute” by Eloise Holman Nall, 14, of Baltimore
• “Riding Towards a Greener Future” by Katherine Truong, 15, of Silver Spring

The Earth Day artwork will also be displayed in the Maryland State Department of Education Superintendent’s Student Gallery on Baltimore Street.

“This competition is a powerful reminder to leverage the creativity within our community and the impact we can have when we work together,” said Arnold.

In Los Angeles, CA, Metrolink, the region’s six-county passenger rail service, provided free rides on all trains, including the Arrow service, in honor of Earth Day. This is the fourth consecutive year Metrolink has offered free fares for Earth Day.

“An experience aboard Metrolink can inspire people to make more sustainable choices—not just on Earth Day, but every day,” said Metrolink Board Chair and Orange County Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee. “We encourage our communities to embrace this free ride opportunity and enjoy the many positive benefits of train travel.”

The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District, CA, offered free rides countywide on all fixed-route, ParaCruz, and Highway 17 Express services.

“Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our planet,” said Corey Aldridge, CEO. “Sustainability is at the heart of our mission, and we are proud to provide environmentally friendly transportation options that reduce carbon emissions and foster a healthier future.”

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), Norfolk, VA, was also fare free on all bus, light rail, ferry, paratransit, and OnDemand ridesharing services for Earth Day.

“HRT is excited to once again offer free travel to celebrate Earth Day as a way to thank our customers while encouraging new riders to leave their vehicles behind and try transit,” said William E. Harrell, president and CEO.

Metra in Chicago tasked its employees with cleaning up trash along tracks, removing dead plants, and planting flowers and trees at various locations.

“Metra does its part every day to reduce pollution, but we can always do more to help the planet,” said Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski. “This year’s Earth Day activities will engage our riders and encourage them to protect our planet while being a good neighbor to the communities we serve.”