SUMMER 2008

Yolo County Transit Operators to Offer Free Rides on “Spare the Air” Days
YOLOBUS and Unitrans, the two transit systems serving Yolo County, have announced they will continue their very successful program to help reduce summertime ozone. On days that are declared “Spare the Air Day” by air quality control officials, the public can ride YOLOBUS and Unitrans free. This incentive program is offered on YOLOBUS and Unitrans only and runs June 1, 2008 through August 31, 2008.

The program, intended to get commuters and others traveling within, to or from Yolo County to try transit to reduce air pollution during the summer season when air quality is at its worst, is being paid for by a grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The grant to YOLOBUS of $62,290 will cover up to 24 free-ride days and is part of an effort by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), the Yolo County Transportation District, and the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District to help the region avoid violating clean-air standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Here is how it works. The air districts in the region declare a Spare the Air day when air quality index is expected to exceed 127, which typically occurs on hot, windless days according to air district officials. Based on historical data, there could be anywhere from eight to 20 such “Spare the Air” days declared during the summer.

Five-day forecasts for ozone are available through www.sparetheair.com and “Spare the Air” days are determined a day in advance which helps people plan their commute. Residents can also receive personal notification through Air Alert, a free service available by signing up at www.myairalert.net. On declared “Spare the Air” days anyone can ride YOLOBUS and Unitrans for free.

“We encourage drivers to leave their cars at home and try transit, especially on “Spare the Air” days. There’s no better time than when gas prices are high, air quality is impacted and it’s free,” said Art Pimentel, Chair of the Yolo County Transportation District. “Leaving your car at home can make a significant positive impact on the environment,” added Pimentel. About 70% of the Sacramento region's air pollution is caused by emissions from internal combustion engines, so the fewer miles vehicles are driven, especially in the summer, the less polluted air people will need to contend with. It’s that simple. Last summer alone, Sacramento region drivers reduced 1.8 tons of ozone precursors per “Spare the Air” day by delaying trips, working at home, carpooling, using transit, biking and walking.

YOLOBUS serves Woodland, West Sacramento, Davis, U.C. Davis, Winters, Sacramento International Airport, downtown Sacramento, Madison, Esparto, Capay, Cache Creek Resort and Casino, Dunnigan, Yolo, and Knights Landing. The program applies to both YOLOBUS fixed route buses and YOLOBUS smaller buses that serve the disabled. The YOLOBUS fare each way is normally $1.50 on non-express buses and $2.00 each way on express buses. Unitrans, which serves the City of Davis and U.C. Davis, has been offering free fares on summer “Spare-the-Air” days since 2001. All large buses operated by YOLOBUS throughout the year and Unitrans during the summer run on clean burning compressed natural gas (CNG). Combined, YOLOBUS and Unitrans provide some 4,000 miles of service each weekday, meaning that there is plenty of service that the public will be able to ride for free on “Spare the Air” days.

Bus schedules are available by contacting YOLOBUS at 530-666-2877 or this web site (www.yolobus.com) or UNITRANS at 530-752-2877 or www.Unitrans.com.

Summer Sizzler Program for Summer 2008

The Yolo County Transportation District has announced that the popular Summer Sizzler program is again offering youths, age 17 and under, discounted Yolobus rides throughout the summer.

June 1st through August 31st, youth ages 5 – 17 can ride Yolobus to any of it’s destinations for just $0.35 per boarding. Yolobus travels to several popular destinations including UC Davis, downtown Sacramento, within walking distance of Old Sacramento and Raley Field, Vacaville Factory Outlets, local shopping malls and movie theaters, and much more.

Alternatively, a summer pass can be purchased for just $15.00. The passes are available for purchase at Davis Parks & Community Services, Woodland City Hall, Winters City Hall and West Sacramento Parks & Community Services as well as at the office of Yolo County Transportation District (350 Industrial Way, Woodland) and the office of Unitrans in Davis.

For more information on this program, please call Yolo County Transportation District at (530) 661-0816.

YOLOBUS is a service of the Yolo County Transportation District and serves Woodland, Davis, West Sacramento, downtown Sacramento, Sacramento International Airport, Winters, Esparto, Madison, Knights Landing, Capay and Cache Creek.

The Summer Sizzler program is partially funded by a grant from the Yolo Solano Air Quality Management District.