SunLine Transit Agency Celebrates Earth Day by Offering Free Rides on Key Service Lines April 22, 2022

 

(Thousand Palms) SunLine Transit Agency – known as an industry leader for pioneering green technologies in transit operations for the past 3 decades – will celebrate Earth Day on Friday, April 22, 2022, by offering free rides on three key service lines: the Fixed Route Bus Network (SunBus), SunRide and the 10 Commuter Link. In addition, SunLine’s Board Meeting – which is typically the fourth Wednesday of each month – was moved to April 22, 2022, for the month of April to commemorate Earth Day.

 

Because of the Agency’s longstanding commitment to zero emissions and hydrogen fuel technology, a campaign called “At SunLine, Every Day is Earth Day” will be rolled out and implemented beyond Earth Day to reinforce SunLine’s clean energy initiatives in its day-to-day operations.

 

SunLine’s fleet now incorporates 21 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with five more scheduled for delivery in July 2022 – which keeps the Agency on track to be fully transitioned to zero emissions by 2035, five years ahead of the deadline set in the state’s ICT Regulation (2040). In addition, the fleet incorporates 4 battery electric buses and 60 CNG buses.

 

“We are proud to have been at the forefront of building a clean fuels fleet stemming back to 1993,” said Lauren Skiver, CEO/General Manager of SunLine Transit Agency. “What’s equally exciting is that, today, we are not just instituting programs that eliminate tailpipe emissions. We’ve instituted a solar project to create renewable energy with the creation of a micro-grid, and we are introducing groundbreaking technology that will produce hydrogen from renewable natural gas. A multitude of green energy projects demonstrate why, at SunLine, we truly do celebrate every day as Earth Day.”

 

SunLine has received millions of dollars in grants – from agencies including the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Federal Transit Agency (FTA) –in order to purchase zero-emission vehicles and equipment necessary to produce hydrogen. This includes the Agency’s  state-of-the-art PEM Hydrogen Electrolyzer, which allows the Agency to manufacture its own hydrogen production. SunLine sells compressed natural gas to commercial and government agencies, and plans to sell hydrogen, as well.

 

To enjoy free rides on SunLine’s Fixed Route Network (SunBus) and its 10 Commuter Link, the public can simply board the buses and take their seat. To redeem free rides on SunRide – the Agency’s microtransit service available in four Coachella Valley zones – riders should input the code EARTHDAY in the SunRide app (the user can locate the app by searching “SunRide” in their App Store) where they’ll select the blue “Book Now” button on the “Book a Ride” page. Then, they will see the “Coupon Code” text box and click “Apply.” More information on SunRide’s zones and pick-up/drop-off locations can be found at SunLine.org/SunRide. Please note: SunDial paratransit rides are not eligible for free rides on April 22, 2022.

 

SunLine Transit Agency is recognized worldwide for its zero-emissions contributions to the transit industry. SunLine will continue to do its part to provide environmentally-responsible public transportation which ensures natural resources are preserved – safeguarding clean air for

future generations.

 

For more information, please visit SunLine.org.