FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697
Megan Abba (714) 560-5671
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 16, 2026
OCTA Celebrates Earth Day with Free Bus Rides and New Transit Calculator to Figure Potential Savings
Ride OC Bus free on Wednesday, April 22 to support less traffic congestion and cleaner air
ORANGE – In honor of Earth Day, OCTA invites residents and visitors to support the environment by taking advantage of free rides on public transit all day.
OCTA will offer complimentary rides on all regular OC Bus routes on Wednesday, April 22, with no pass or fare required. OC Bus provides a safe, reliable and convenient way to travel to work, school and destinations throughout Orange County. The free ride promotion is designed to encourage more people to try transit and consider making it part of their daily routine.
Taking public transportation helps people share the ride and reduce traffic congestion and protect the environment along the way. OCTA’s OC Bus fleet already runs on clean natural gas, with additional zero-emissions buses in the fleet, moving toward a 100 percent zero-emissions future to help improve air quality in Orange County.
Calculate how to save with public transit
Riders can also explore how much they can save by choosing transit. OCTA’s new online commute cost calculator allows users to compare the cost of driving with OC Bus, including expenses like gas and parking, and see potential savings over time.
To learn more about the commute calculator, visit octa.net/getting-around/bus/oc-bus/commute-calculator.
OCTA’s commitment to sustainability lasts all year long through investments that protect natural resources, improve water quality and reduce transportation-related pollution throughout the county.
Through Measure M, OCTA has preserved and restored 1,600 acres of open space to protect Orange County’s natural landscapes. The Environmental Mitigation Program supports habitat restoration and protects sensitive species, helping ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
In addition to OC Bus, Metrolink will also offer free rides on Earth Day, making it easier to travel throughout Southern California. For trip planning and sustainability information, visit OCBus.com/RideFree.
About OCTA: The Orange County Transportation Authority is the county transportation planning commission, responsible for funding and implementing transit and capital projects for a balanced and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. With the mission of keeping Orange County moving, this includes freeways and express lanes, bus and rail transit, rideshare, commuter rail and active transportation. To sign up for more OCTA news, visit octa.net/GetConnected.
# # #
Voice of OC posts press releases to provide readers with information directly from organizations. We do not edit or rewrite press releases, and encourage readers to contact the originator of a given release for more information.
To submit a press release email pressreleases@voiceofoc.org.