Leave your car at home and keep your wallet in your pocket. You can ride Saint John Transit for free all day this Wednesday.

A Saint John Transit bus is pictured outside City Hall. Source: Avery MacRae, CTV News Atlantic

The City of Saint John is teaming up with NB Lung to celebrate Clean Air Day. Moncton and Fredericton are also participating in the initiative. According to CTV News Atlantic, the free fare applies to regular transit routes as well as Accessible Transit in Saint John.

Why Clean Air Matters

Clean Air Day highlights the direct link between air quality and community health. Melanie Langille is the president and CEO of NB Lung. She notes that clean air is essential for our well being.

“Clean Air Day is an opportunity to celebrate generally good air quality in New Brunswick, while raising awareness that this precious natural resource cannot be taken for granted,” Langille said in a news release.

Air pollution takes a heavy toll on public health. Health Canada reports that air pollution causes over 17,000 premature deaths across the country every year. Poor air quality hits vulnerable groups the hardest. This includes older adults, children, pregnant women, and people living with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

Lung disease is a major issue locally. One in five New Brunswickers lives with a lung condition. For these individuals, air pollution triggers severe symptoms and leads to hospitalizations.

How You Can Help

Transportation drives a significant portion of local air pollution. You have the power to change that by altering your daily commute.

“Transportation is a major component of air pollution in New Brunswick,” Langille said. “By choosing less polluting options, individuals can influence the air quality in their neighbourhoods.”

Taking the bus, walking, biking, or carpooling reduces the number of vehicles on the road. This directly cuts down on harmful emissions in Saint John.

“We can all play a role in protecting the air we share,” Langille added.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the free transit available?

Saint John Transit is offering free rides all day this Wednesday for Clean Air Day.

Does the free fare apply to Accessible Transit?

Yes. Accessible Transit in Saint John is completely free for the entire day.

Who is organizing this event?

NB Lung partnered with the cities of Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton to provide free transit and raise awareness about air quality.