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 visit NoRedDay.com 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.
Clean Air Partnership
The Clean Air Partnership was formed in 1995, led by the American Lung Association, St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Washington University, and others, to increase awareness of regional air quality issues and to encourage activities to reduce air pollution emissions.
Citizens for Modern Transit
Citizens for Modern Transit is the St. Louis region’s transit advocacy organization. Established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis, CMT’s mission is focused on championing, challenging, encouraging and advocating for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve quality of life. To help support this mission, the organization works to develop ridership programming, transform spaces around transit stops, help secure local and federal transit funding, serve as a strong and effective voice on transit-related issues and opportunities, and ensure safe, convenient, user-friendly and affordable access to the area’s integrated public transportation system. To learn more, visit www.CMT-STL.org or follow the organization on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.
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For more information, contact:
Kelly Harris
(314) 436-9090