Public transit ridership saw little or no change in the San Francisco Bay Area earlier this week when transit agencies offered free rides as part of a "Spare the Air" campaign.
"The lure of free travel this morning on the Bay Area's mass transit systems to help cut down on smog didn't seem to lure commuters onto the region's trains, buses and ferries."
"The commute traffic appeared to be either the same or a bit heavier than normal, according to spot checks by The Chronicle of several public transit systems."
Wednesday "was the season's first of four possible 'Spare the Air' days, on which public transit users can ride for free. The program kicks in on days when air quality officials predict particularly poor air quality that can lead to health problems. The goal is to lure people out of their cars to reduce smog."
"Most transit systems are free all day."
"Last year there were six free-transit days. This year, there's enough funding for four. Even though passengers can ride for free, the operators get reimbursed. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission is providing $7.5 million and the air quality agency is giving $1 million to fund the program this year."
FULL STORY: Commuters not flocking to free public transit
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
Median Home Prices Top $1 Million in Over 200 California Towns
Towns once known for their affordability are seeing sharply rising home prices.
LA County Receives Reconnecting Communities Grants
Seven grant awards totaling $162 million will be used for planning, capital projects, and regional partnerships to reduce environmental harm and improve access in disadvantaged communities.
Seine Pollution Could Hinder Olympic Swim Events
Events like the triathlon could be impacted if tests continue to reveal high levels of dangerous bacteria in Paris’ famous river.
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