OCTA - Orange County Transportation Authority

04/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/16/2026 11:56

OCTA Celebrates Earth Day with Free Bus Rides and New Transit Calculator to Figure Potential Savings

OCTA Celebrates Earth Day with Free Bus Rides and New Transit Calculator to Figure Potential Savings

4/16/2026

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.

Meet the Team

Joel Zlotnik

Communications Manager

Adam Raley

Communications Specialist, Principal

Media Contacts

Eric Carpenter

Communications Specialist, Senior

Megan Abba

Communications Specialist, Senior

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The Orange County Transportation Authority's Public Information Office responds to media inquiries, issues press releases and provides information about OCTA to the public and stakeholders.

OCTA - Orange County Transportation Authority published this content on April 16, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 16, 2026 at 17:56 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]