Why we offer free rides on Earth Day

Seeing Earth from the vantage point of outer space is nothing new. The first grainy black and white images of our world were taken in 1946 when Americans repurposed a German rocket and launched it from White Sands, New Mexico.

That said, the recent images captured by NASA’s Artemis II are striking in their beauty, sharpness and newness. For all the problems confronting our planet, there it is — the Earth, vast and colorful and diverse and still ticking. If the photos had a message it seemed to be: what we do here matters.

That’s what Earth Day is all about.

And that’s why Metro is once again celebrating Earth Day with free rides on our buses, trains, Metro Bike and Micro from 3 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, until 3 a.m. Thursday, April 23.

Metro Bike Share will also offer free 30-minute rides. Redeem your ride by selecting ‘1-Ride’ at any Metro Bike Share kiosk, online or in the Metro Bike Share app, and enter promo code 042226. This code can be redeemed multiple times throughout the day. A credit or debit card is required. Rides longer than 30 minutes are $1.75 for each additional half hour. Electric Metro Bike fees are waived. Temporary credit card holds may apply. 

Learn more about on-demand Metro Micro here. The code for free rides on Micro is EARTHDAY26.

Metro’s focus remains giving people more ways to move around the L.A. area while reducing the impacts of transportation on our environment. As we’ve mentioned before: generally speaking, 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.

And this year, we’re taking a big step forward.

On May 8, the first section of the D Line Extension opens, bringing three new subway stations to Wilshire Boulevard and connecting more residents and visitors to fast, reliable, traffic-free transit.

That means more opportunities to leave the car at home — whether you’re heading to work, visiting Museum Row or just getting across town to/from the Westside without sitting parked on the 10.

Here are some other stats worth keeping in mind:

•2025 was the third warmest year on record for the Earth and the past 11 years have been the 11 warmest on record, according to the World Meteorology Organization.

•In 2025, Metro had about 305 million boardings on its buses and trains. That makes us one of the busiest transit agencies in the U.S.

No single trip will solve climate change. But millions of small choices, made every day, add up.

•Metro has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and facilities by 79% by 2030 (from 2017 levels). So far, Metro has reduced its emissions by nearly 68% and is on track to achieve its 2030 goal.

•By providing transit services across LA County, Metro plays a large role in preventing regional greenhouse gas emissions from driving. In 2024 (the latest numbers available), we prevented over 1.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent from being emitted.

•Metro recognizes its role in the health and wellness of Angelenos and is actively taking steps to reduce air pollution from our bus and vehicle fleets. Since 2018, we have reduced nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by over 92%, and we have reduced our particular matter (PM) emissions by nearly 74%. These reductions are driven by the ongoing use of electric buses and the replacement of aging bus engines to near-zero-emission engines.

•Metro is actively monitoring water use and finding new ways to increase conservation efforts. Since 2020, Metro has reduced its potable water use by over 25%.

This is your Earth.

And every time you choose to ride, you’re helping shape its future.