News Release

RideShare Delaware Offers Free Bus Passes

Available Through DART First State Ozone Action Transit Partners Program

Employers registered as a DART First State 2005 Ozone Action Transit Partner are eligible to receive 5 free bus passes for each of their employees. This free public service offered by DART First State, administered by the Transportation Management Association (home to the RideShare Delaware program) attempts to educate individuals about their role in improving air quality and to increase transit ridership. Participating individuals can use the Ozone Action Transit passes any day May 16th- September 30th.

DART First State's Ozone Action programs have been employer based since the 2003 Ozone Action Season. Throughout past years over 400 employers have become Ozone Action Transit Partners representing thousands of employees. Last year alone, over 25,000 free trips on DART buses were a result of the Ozone Action Transit Partners program. The program continues to be employer based due to positive feedback from participants. According to a follow up survey of 2004 employer partners 87% of respondents indicated that administering the program took less than 5 hours throughout the entire season. 100% of respondents indicated that they had a better understanding of the Ozone Pollution problem as a result of the program.

Steps to Employer participation:

Step One: Employers register by contacting RideShare Delaware at 1-888-RIDE-MATCH or by visiting www.ridesharedelaware.org. Once the registration form is received by RideShare Delaware an Ozone Action Tool Kit, including program materials will be sent to the employer.

Step Two: Employers gather a list of employees interested in participating, and return list to RideShare Delaware on or before June 15th. Tickets will be mailed to employer for distribution.

Step Three: Distribute tickets at worksite and alert employees to Ozone Action (code red) and Health Watch (code orange) days.

Individuals can contact RideShare Delaware to find out if their employer is a registered DART First State Ozone Action Transit Partner.

As a result of this program and other activities on behalf of Delaware's Ozone Action Partnership, Delaware has been recognized regionally and nationally for their efforts to increase awareness of the Ozone Pollution problem.

Individuals interested in learning more about RideShare Delaware programs including carpool matching, the Guaranteed Ride Home benefit, School Pool or vanpooling can contact RideShare Delaware at 1-888-RIDE-MATCH or visit www.ridesharedelaware.org