Use a “Go Greener†pass to get to the expo and pay no fare for the bus or trainSPECIAL SPONSORED SECTION
With the threat of global warming no longer in doubt, concerned citizens are looking for immediate ways to take action. Enter public transportation. Riding the bus or light rail train cuts carbon dioxide emissions by taking cars off the road, reducing traffic congestion, and–in many cases–helping reduce the stress of the rider.
If you haven’t taken public transportation in awhile, a good way to get reacquainted is by using a free “Go Greener†pass on a Metro Transit bus or light rail train from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the Living Green Expo May 3 and 4.
“We’ve taken inspiration from the Expo’s goal to be a ‘zero-waste event,’†explains John Siqveland, Metro Transit project manager. “For the attendee, the principles of the Expo can begin before he or she arrives at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Our goal is to expand an attendee’s thinking about emissions reduction and provide them with an easy way to give Metro Transit a try.â€
Keeping with the eco-friendly spirit of the Living Green Expo, during the two-day environmental event Metro Transit will be offsetting the electricity used by the Hiawatha Light Rail with 100 percent wind power. Also, at the Expo, attendees will have an opportunity to take a short tour on a hybrid bus.
In addition to the environmental benefits of riding the bus or train, riders don’t have to worry about white-knuckled commutes in unpredictable Minnesota weather, not to mention a savings in parking and fuel costs.
“It means no stress of driving, and productive ride time for reading, listening to music or news, working on a laptop or PDA, getting organized, or just relaxing,†Siqveland says.
And really, couldn’t we all use a little more time for that?
Download and print a “Go Greener†pass on www.livinggreen.org. Show your pass at the Expo’s Metro Transit booth to register for prizes. In order to plan your route, visit www.metrotransit.org and access the new and improved online trip planner, or call a representative at 612-373-3333. Park and ride to the Expo is also an option–with over 2,000 free parking spaces on the Hiawatha Light Rail line, connecting to bus route 3 at the Metrodome station and bus route 84 at the 46th Avenue station. Route 84 is a quick ride down Snelling Avenue from the Rosedale Transit Center at Rosedale Mall. Both routes will carry passengers to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in approximately 20 minutes.
