Campaign Underscores Importance of Public Transit Use in Reducing Emissions and Improving Regional Air Quality
When summer hits its peak, so does poor air quality. Rising temperatures and transportation-related emissions can combine to create dangerous levels of ozone air pollution in the bi-state area. The St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership and Citizens for Modern Transit are therefore teaming up to launch a “No Red Day” campaign later this month that will run through August. This effort encourages individuals to take simple steps – like taking MetroLink and MetroBus to get to school, work, appointments, sports and entertainment venues, and everywhere else they need to go – to help prevent a red air quality day from happening.
“When a red day is forecast, that means the air may contain higher levels of ground-level ozone, which forms when sunlight meets emissions from cars, fuels and everyday activities – and is unhealthy for everyone to breathe, especially children, seniors and people with existing respiratory conditions,” said Susannah Fuchs, Director of Healthy Air Solutions for the American Lung Association in Missouri, which oversees the Clean Air Partnership. “These days can be preventable if we take action, so it’s imperative that all of us continue to take voluntary steps to reduce emissions and help improve outcomes.”
Area residents can now visit NoRedDay.com anytime to access a wealth of air quality information and ways to do their share for cleaner air to reduce transportation-related emissions. They can also register to receive a FREE Metro Adventure Day Pass (valued at $5) via mail for unlimited rides on transit on the day of their choice.
On Wednesday, June 18 – in advance of Dump the Pump Day – the partnering organizations behind the “No Red Day” campaign will be stationed at the Belleville, Central West End and North Hanley Transit Centers to surprise and delight riders during the morning commute, as well as parking garages in Clayton, the Central West End and Cortex Innovation District. Street teams will be handing out individualized boxes of Hot Tamales candies with a scannable QR code sticker for people to sign up to receive their next free ride. Representatives will also be stationed outside Busch Stadium before the Cardinals game on Friday, June 20, handing out complimentary Cracker Jacks tied to the campaign for fans to enjoy.
“We know auto emissions significantly impact daily air quality,” said Kimberly Cella, Executive Director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “With rising summer temperatures and more poor air quality days expected, we’re encouraging people to choose public transit with the first ride on us.”
To learn more about the region’s air quality, public transportation options and campaign efforts, visit NoRedDay.com.