Houston Transit Agencies Offer ‘Free Fare Fridays’ for Ozone Action Month

Harris County is one of several Texas counties that failed EPA standards for clean air in recent years.

1 minute read

September 10, 2024, 8:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Houston Metro Bus

Roy Luck / Flickr

Multiple Houston-area transit agencies will offer free rides on Fridays in September in an effort to boost ridership on transit and improve air quality. As Kyle McClenagan reports for Houston Public Media, “The participating agencies include Harris County Transit, Fort Bend Transit, The Woodlands Township and Conroe Connection, according to Commute Solutions — a service of [the Houston-Galveston Area Council] H-GAC.”

The program is taking place during Ozone Action Month, when local ozone levels are typically highest. “For context, the EPA set an annual primary fine particle standard of 9 micrograms per cubic meter and the WHO considers anything above 5 micrograms per cubic meter to be dangerous. However, the EPA recorded that Harris County had 11.4 micrograms per cubic meter, the worst of any county in Texas.”

Friday, September 6, 2024 in Houston Public Media

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog