In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is providing an environmentally friendly incentive by waiving fares for all bus, light rail, ferry, Paratransit, and OnDemand ridesharing services. This initiative aims to encourage the community to embrace public transportation while contributing to a cleaner environment.
HRT is further supporting Earth Day activities by organizing community cleanups, inviting volunteers to actively participate in maintaining the cleanliness of bus stops. Volunteers are encouraged to dedicate one hour to tidying up their chosen or assigned bus stop locations within their city. To facilitate this effort, HRT will provide safety vests and necessary cleaning supplies. Interested individuals can select a specific date and time for their cleanup activities. For more details or to register, volunteers can visit the official website at gohrt.com/earthday/clean-up-form.
Additionally, representatives from HRT and goCommute will be available at several events to discuss transit solutions and the region’s commuter options program, goCommute. These events include:
- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 19 at Virginia Living Museum, located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News.
- April 26-27 at Air Power Over Hampton Roads, Langley Air Force Base, Hampton.
- 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 19 at Norfolk NATO Festival International Village, Town Point Park, Norfolk.
For additional events and information on programs like “Am I Clean?” which runs year-round, visit gohrt.com/earthday.
Community Impact
The free fare initiative and cleanup activities organized by Hampton Roads Transit have the potential to significantly impact the local community. By offering complimentary transportation services on Earth Day, HRT not only promotes the use of public transit but also encourages residents to participate in sustainable practices. This can lead to reduced traffic congestion and lower emissions, contributing to an overall improvement in air quality and urban livability.
The community cleanup campaigns empower residents to take an active role in enhancing their neighborhoods, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards public spaces. Such involvement can improve the appearance and safety of bus stops, making public transit a more appealing option for daily commuters. Over time, these efforts can strengthen community bonds and cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship that extends beyond Earth Day.
