LeeTran \u2013 Lee County Transit \u2013 will again offer free rides on all fixed-route buses for Try Transit Day on Earth Day, Monday.<\/p>\n
LeeTran Director Dominic Gemelli said Try Transit Day has been an annual event for more than five years.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeeTran\u2019s annual ridership averages approximately 1,787,000 passenger trips,\u201d he said. LeeTran is shifting its approach from previous years to ensure all Lee County stakeholders can participate in Try Transit Day on April 20, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOffering the free ride day on a Monday instead of the traditional Saturday will introduce public transit to individuals who rely on weekday travel for work, school or other activities,\u201d Gemelli said. \u201cOn average, LeeTran transports around 6,200 riders on Mondays in April, and the goal is to increase ridership by 10% on Try Transit Day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Try Transit Day was held on a Saturday last year with 4,542 riders, an increase of 100 passengers from the previous year.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy targeting a weekday this year, we anticipate increased participation from commuters who may not have previously considered transit as part of their daily routine,\u201d Gemelli said. \u201cChoosing transit offers a range of benefits, including financial savings on fuel, parking and vehicle maintenance, as well as a more relaxed commute by avoiding the stress of traffic.\u201d<\/p>\n
LeeTran operates 25 bus routes during season, as well as Passport, a paratransit service. There is a fleet of 58 fixed-route vehicles, four beach trams, 60 paratransit vehicles and nine micro-transit vehicles.<\/p>\n
To view the route schedules and full system map, visit\u00a0RideLeeTran.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n