NORFOLK, VA – With free fares on April 22, eight days of bus stop cleanups, and ways to save you gas, time and money, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) and its TRAFFIX program are making it easy to give Mother Earth some love this Earth Day.
Free Fare Day
Once again, HRT is celebrating Earth Day with free fares on all bus, light rail, ferry and paratransit services on Monday, April 22. It’s a great way for Hampton Roads residents to try transit at no cost. Plan your trip at www.gohrt.com.
The average motorist spends about $9,000 annually on using and maintaining a car, including payments, insurance, maintenance and gas. Riding transit helps you save some cash while reducing time behind the wheel.
“Going fare-free to celebrate Earth Day is an opportunity to thank our riders while encouraging new riders to leave their vehicles behind and try transit,” said William E. Harrell, President and CEO. “HRT is also working with our community partners to keep our bus stops clean.”
Bus Stop Cleanups
For those seeking hands-on volunteer opportunities for Earth Day, HRT is offering eight days of cleanups at bus stops throughout Hampton Roads.
From April 15-22, community organizations, corporate groups and civic leagues are encouraged to sign up to spend one hour cleaning up around bus stops.
To sign up in advance, visit Earth Day Clean Up Form. You can choose your bus stop location or HRT can assign one within your city. You can also pick your cleanup dates and times. Volunteers are urged to be mindful of bus and vehicle traffic while picking up litter and aware of passengers’ use of amenities when cleaning around shelters and benches.
Adopt-a-Stop
For organizations and companies wanting to make a lasting impact, HRT also offers the Adopt-a-Stop program to help maintain nearly 2,800 transit stops, keeping our communities clean and beautiful.
For at least one year, adopters agree to pick up and dispose of litter and report issues such as graffiti or broken signage and shelters. HRT will provide adopters with supplies that include trash containers, safety vests, brooms with pans, trash bags and rubber gloves. For details or to adopt a spot, please visit Adopt-a-Stop or call 757-222-6100.
Community Outreach
HRT representatives will be attending the following events to answer questions about transit solutions and the TRAFFIX Commuter Options program:
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Wednesday, April 17
4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
The Williamsburg Winery, Williamsburg
Virginia International Tattoo Hullabaloo & Norfolk NATO Festival Flag Raising
Thursday, April 18
4:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Norfolk Scope Plaza, Norfolk
Virginia Living Museum
Saturday, April 20
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News
Earth Day Celebration
Mount Trashmore Park
Saturday, April 20
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
310 Edwin Drive, Virginia Beach
Norfolk NATO Festival International Village
Saturday, April 20
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Town Point Park, Norfolk
Trails Day with the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation
Saturday, April 27
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Newtown Road Light Rail Station, 5601 Curlew Drive, Norfolk
Commuting Options
In addition to HRT’s buses, light rail, ferry and paratransit, the TRAFFIX program supports green commuting by promoting transportation alternatives that help to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
TRAFFIX aims to decrease traffic congestion during peak travel times by giving commuters options other than driving alone to work.
Working with area employers and military installations, TRAFFIX staff implement parking management plans, carpools, vanpools, telework options and more. TRAFFIX also offers guaranteed rides for commuters experiencing unexpected emergencies.
Participants in TRAFFIX programs use ConnectingVA, a trip-logging app that enables them to earn rewards and receive real-time data on how their green commutes are positively impacting the environment.
Last year, TRAFFIX helped nearly 12,000 registered commuters enjoy smoother, hassle-free commutes.
To learn more about HRT’s environmental stewardship, please visit gohrt.com/earthday.