Last 2016 Third Friday Free with EMBARK

Ridership Increased on Free Days

OKLAHOMA CITY – EMBARK has done its part to help reduce pollution during ozone alert season by encouraging metro residents to take a free ride every third Friday from May through September. EMBARK will offer its final Third Friday Free of the season on Friday, September 16. Fixed-route buses, zone 1 ADA para-transit services and Spokies bike share* will be free to everyone.

The annual, prescheduled free fare days during ozone alert season have substantially increased bus ridership on those days. Ridership on Third Friday Free days increased over average daily ridership by 13.5 percent in May, 17.6 percent in June and 23.7 percent in July.

“We’ve made significant changes over the past few years to make transit the better choice, not only for the environment but also for riders, and the positive reception of these changes are reflected in our continued growth in ridership,” said Jason Ferbrache, EMBARK Administrator.

“Free Fare Friday is a great time to try our city’s public transit system and experience the improvements and progress we’ve made firsthand. Using our public transit options is a great way to get around our city and a very simple way to make a huge impact on our environment,” said Ferbrache.

*Daily pass fee waived.Usage fees apply for trips exceeding 30 minutes. Credit/Debit card required.

 About EMBARK

EMBARK is the business unit of the Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority (COTPA) – a public trust administered by the City of Oklahoma City. EMBARK is responsible for providing safe, efficient and convenient public transportation and downtown parking solutions to the greater Oklahoma City area. EMBARK is the 2016 North America Outstanding Public Transit System of the Year.

To learn more about EMBARK and view bus schedules and routes, visit www.embarkok.com or call (405) 235-RIDE (7433) for personal assistance from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. To learn more about carpooling or to be matched with someone in your area, visit www.getaroundok.com.

COTPA is celebrating 50 years of leadership in providing public transit and downtown parking services to Oklahoma’s capital city.

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