Old Pasadena and Metro Local bus (Photo – adbar).
Residents across the region will have an easy, cost‑free way to support cleaner air this Earth Day.
By Melanie Hooks
Metro and several local transit agencies are offering free rides on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, encouraging Angelenos to leave their cars at home and choose more sustainable ways to travel.
Metro notes that “taking transit instead of driving alone is a good way to cut down on smog and is an effective way to cut greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change.” This year’s Earth Day promotions aim to make that choice even simpler.
Metro: Free Rides Systemwide
Metro will provide free rides on all buses, trains, Metro Bike, and Metro Micro from 3:00 am Wednesday, April 22, through 3:00 am Thursday, April 23. Coverage includes Highland Park, South Pasadena, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Alhambra, San Gabriel, La Crescenta‑Montrose, and Monrovia.
– Metro Bike Share
- Free 30‑minute rides all day
- Select “1‑Ride” at a kiosk, online, or in the app
- Enter promo code 042226 (usable multiple times)
- Rides over 30 minutes cost $1.75 per additional half hour
- Electric bike fees are waived
- A credit or debit card is required; temporary holds may apply
For full coverage maps, visit their site here.
– Metro Micro
Metro’s on‑demand rideshare service is also free with promo code EARTHDAY26. Service areas include:
Pasadena Transit: Free All Day
Pasadena Transit and Dial‑A‑Ride will offer free rides on all routes throughout Wednesday, April 22. Riders can check schedules and routes online.
Monterey Park: Free Transit All Week
Monterey Park is extending the celebration with free MPK Transit Express rides from April 20–24 for Earth Week.
- Spirit Bus: Board at any stop—no fare required
- MPK Transit Express: Book as usual through the app or by calling Dispatch at (626) 606‑2679
Ride zone maps for both services are available online.
A Push Toward Cleaner Transportation
Across the region, agencies are using Earth Day to highlight the environmental benefits of public transit. By offering free rides, they hope to make sustainable travel more accessible while reducing the pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with driving.
If you’re looking for a simple way to support the planet this Earth Day, hopping on a bus, train, bike, or Micro ride might be the easiest place to start.
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