SLO Regional Rideshare welcomes all county residents and visitors to ride public transit in SLO County fare-free (no bus pass required) during Rideshare Week, October 7 through 11. SLO Rideshare, a division of the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), has partnered with the SLO Regional Transit Authority (RTA), City of SLO Transit, and City of Morro Bay Transit to provide free bus rides on fixed routes throughout the county. “This opportunity for residents to explore transit brings Rideshare Week to the next level” proclaimed SLOCOG Executive Director Pete Rodgers, continuing “Whether you’re an avid bus rider or considering a new way to commute, get out and see what our county’s public transit system has to offer!” This first-of-its-kind campaign applies to all residents, giving them the opportunity to explore public transit options.
“I am excited to welcome people who have not tried riding the bus before. And if you’re new to transit, the RTA offers personalized trip planning, we’re happy to help you find the route you need.“ said Geoff Straw, Executive Director of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). To get assistance with a personalized trip plan, email the RTA at [email protected].
The goal of Rideshare Week is to encourage commuters to use alternative forms of transportation. It’s estimated that over 75% of commuters drive alone to their destinations, leading to road congestion, air pollution and effects on personal health and well-being. Public transit is a great way to reduce this number, along with additional modes of transportation like carpooling, vanpooling, walking, biking and more.
“SLO Transit is excited to participate in Rideshare Week by offering fare-free transit to all riders, we hope residents will see the benefits and continue riding the bus after the week is over” said Alex Fuchs, Business Manager for the City of SLO’s Mobility Services Division. To help mitigate traffic in Downtown SLO with increased public transit use, employees of downtown businesses can apply for SLO Transit’s Downtown Access Pass, which provides a free year-long bus pass for all downtown employees.
Commuters can track and log their Rideshare Week alternative commutes for the chance to win prizes all week long, including a daily prize drawing for $200. The trip logging will happen at iRIdeshare.org but info on the campaign is on the rideshare.org page, commuters can also enter to win prizes at rideshare.org. Beyond Rideshare Week, SLO Rideshare rewards commuters for logging their trips all year long.
Rideshare Week coincides with International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 9th. Rideshare’s Safe Routes to School program is coordinating school participation and providing healthy snacks and stickers for students who walk or roll to school. Over 35 schools throughout the county have signed up to participate, making it one of the biggest Walk to School Days in recent years. Walk to School Day is sponsored by the SLO County Air Pollution Control District (APCD).
“Morro Bay Transit looks forward to participating in Rideshare Week with free-fare transit to our fixed route riders. If you’ve never used public transit, this is a great opportunity to hop on the bus and experience how easy it is to use” said Janeen Burlingame, Management Analyst for the City of Morro Bay’s Public Works Department.
Try transit during Rideshare Week as there is “No Fare, Anywhere” from October 7 through 11. Please visit rideshare.org for further details and to learn more about Rideshare Week and Safe Routes to School. Regular fares apply to all Runabout and Dial-a-Ride services.