(The Associated Press circulated the following article on April 22.)
NEWARK, N.J. — With the whole state failing to meet federal air pollution standards, New Jersey Transit said yesterday it will again offer bus and rail discounts on bad air days.
State Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere announced the renewed OzonePass program at Newark Penn Station.
The program allows employers to purchase roundtrip bus, train and light-rail passes in bulk for $2 apiece. The passes can be either sold to or given to employees, who may use them on designated ozone-alert days from May 17 through Sept. 17.
The program aims to get people out of cars and trucks and onto buses and trains to cut down on engine exhaust.
Naturally occuring ozone high in the earth’s atmosphere is a helpful shield against harmful ultraviolet rays. But ground-level ozone – generated by sunlight plus industrial and automobile emissions – is the chief component of smog. It can cause lung and respiratory problems, most acutely for New Jersey’s 500,000 asthma sufferers.
Under the program, NJ Transit will notify companies by fax or e-mail when high ozone levels are predicted for the next day, when conductors and bus drivers will accept the discount tickets.