RTD ends free rides to contain summer air pollution; free rides for youth continue

Colorado’s Free Transit Program for Air Pollution Control Ends

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Colorado has announced the end of its free bus and rail transit option aimed at containing summer air pollution. This decision was attributed to a shift in state funding.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
2. Goal 13: Climate Action
3. Goal 15: Life on Land

For the past two years, RTD’s “Zero Fare for Better Air” program successfully led to reduced driving in July and August, resulting in a decrease in ground-level ozone air pollution concentrations that typically exceed federal health limits. The program saw a reduction of 9 million miles driven during those months, equivalent to 145,393 fewer miles per day. This led to a decrease in air pollution emissions by 6,166,740 pounds, as per an evaluation conducted by RTD. Additionally, RTD experienced a 12% increase in ridership.

While this reduction represents a small portion of Colorado’s overall air pollution, the positive impact of the free transit program was acknowledged by agency evaluators. Colorado has been designated as a “severe” violator of federal air quality health standards by the EPA, necessitating the state to transition to cleaner-burning gasoline starting Saturday.

State Funding Challenges

• RTD did not receive grant money from Colorado for both the “Zero Fare for Better Air” initiative and the “Zero Fare for Youth” program.
• State lawmakers reduced overall funding for free transit, allocating approximately $10 million for such programs statewide.

RTD officials estimated that the free summer transit program resulted in over $15.5 million in lost revenues for the agency, with state funds covering $13.8 million of that cost. Due to current regulations, RTD is only eligible to apply for grant money related to offering a fare-free youth program.

Future Plans

RTD directors have initiated a pilot program offering free transit for teens and are considering making this program permanent. Other cities in Colorado are expected to utilize state funds for free transit to reduce ozone pollution over the next two years.

Environmental Concerns

• State health officials issued an Ozone Action Day alert as pollution levels approached potentially unhealthy levels.
• Metro Denver experienced pollution levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, prompting residents to reduce driving.

The air quality is expected to improve to “moderate” or better later this week.

## Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

### SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
– The article discusses the impact of air pollution on public health, particularly mentioning the vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with respiratory ailments, and children.

### SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
– The article highlights the importance of reducing air pollution through initiatives like free transit programs to promote sustainable urban development.

## Specific Targets and Indicators

### SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
– Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
– Indicator: Reduction in air pollution emissions by 6,166,740 pounds due to the free transit program.

### SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
– Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.
– Indicator: Increased ridership by 12% during the free transit program period.

## Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|——————————————|————————————————————————————————————-|————————————————————————————————–|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals… | Reduction in air pollution emissions by 6,166,740 pounds due to the free transit program. |
| | | |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities| Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by… | Increased ridership by 12% during the free transit program period. |

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Fuente: denverpost.com

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