Greenlink hosts fare free Friday on Oct. 23, sponsored by Aloft Greenville Downtown
October 19, 2015
GREENVILLE, SC – Those who have never ridden a bus in Greenville County can give it a try for free on Fri., Oct. 23, when Greenlink presents Fare Free Friday, sponsored by Aloft Greenville Downtown.
On Fare Free Friday, passengers can board any of Greenlink’s fixed route buses at the downtown transfer center on W. McBee Avenue or at any of Greenlink’s more than 500 bus stops throughout the county. Riders also may transfer to another bus at no charge. Hours of service on Fare Free Friday are 5:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. for fixed route service and the CU-ICAR/St. Francis Shuttle. The Clemson Commuter, which provides hourly service from CU-ICAR to Clemson University with one stop in Easley, operates from 6:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.
Additionally, those who ride the bus on Fri., Oct. 23 will receive a Buy One Get One coupon for tickets to a Swamp Rabbits game. The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, a member of the East Coast Hockey League, kicks off its season at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Oct. 23.
Fare Free Friday is part of Try Transit Month, a month long celebration in October that encourages people to ride public transit, according to Greenlink Director Mark Rickards. “Try Transit Month is a great time to introduce public transit to those who may not have considered it as a transportation option, and a way for us to thank our regular riders.”
Aloft Greenville Downtown, which is scheduled to open at ONE City Plaza in late fall 2015, sees Fare Free Friday as a way to support and encourage the use of public transportation in the greater community, according to General Manager Jonathan Brashier. “We believe public transportation plays a vital role in a growing community, and we’re excited to help encourage those who have never tried public transportation in Greenville to give it a try. Once our hotel opens, we also look forward to promoting the use of public transportation among our hotel guests and workforce.”
Try Transit Month seeks to educate consumers on the economic and environmental benefits of public transit, Rickards said. For example, studies show that:
- Every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns
- A two-person household can save, on average, more than $10,174 a year by downsizing to one car, according to the American Public Transportation Association
- One person with a 20-mile round trip commute who switches from driving to public transit can reduce his or her daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds, or more than 4,800 pounds in a year
For more information on public transportation in Greenville, visit www.RideGreenlink.com or call 864.467.2700.
