FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMEDIA CONTACTS:Paul Shepard Office: 410-767-3935 Cell: 443-622-4181 pshepard@mdot.maryland.govCourtney Mims Office: 410 -767-8367 Cell: 667-392-0157 cmims@mdot.maryland.govRide Fare-Free All Day on Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway,MARC, Commuter Bus and Mobility BALTIMORE, MD (September 19, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration is offering free rides on Monday, September 23 in celebration of World Car-Free Day. Passengers can ride fare-free on Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train, Commuter Bus and the Mobility paratransit system. The Maryland Transit Administration is encouraging drivers to join the celebration by leaving their cars at home and taking transit.“There's never been a better time to try transit and we're excited to go fare-free in recognition of World Car-Free Day," said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “By choosing to ride transit you are helping to improve our environment by reducing emissions while at the same time decongesting our roadways."World Car-Free Day is an initiative that aims to encourage motorists to take a break from driving and explore greener alternatives to get around. Maryland riders have plenty of options to experience the many benefits of public transportation, from a wide network of buses in the Baltimore region to commuter trains connecting major work centers in the Washington and Baltimore areas. By choosing transit, riders help decrease roadway congestion and vehicle emissions throughout the region.If you're a regular rider, enjoy the free ride. If you're trying transit for the first time, visit mta.maryland.gov or the Transit app to plan your trip. The Transit app, a free download for smartphones, will offer guidance to get you to your destination safely, quickly and conveniently.According to the American Public Transportation Association, households that give up the use of one car save about $13,000 annually, or about $1,100 every month. Taking transit also eliminates the expense and hassle of parking and allows passengers to focus on activities that driving won't allow, like working, reading or relaxing without the need to focus on safety.The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, and operates Local Bus, Commuter Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train Service and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit system. The goal of the Maryland Transit Administration is to provide safe, efficient, reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland and follow us on X @mtamaryland.