The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) and the county’s bus operators invite the public to enjoy a complementary ride aboard public transit during the new Free Fare Days Program.

The program will allow riders to take any bus service for free in Ventura County on the following days:

• Car-free Day – September 22, 2023
• Clean Air Day – October 4, 2023
• Transit Equity Day – February 5, 2024 (In observance of Feb. 4 Transit Equity Day)
• Earth Day – April 22, 2024
• Bike to Work Day – May 17, 2024 (For people taking transit with bicycles)
• Dump the Pump Day – June 17, 2024

In addition to the Free Fare Days Program, U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members can ride public transit for free on Nov. 10, 2023, in observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11. This is a continuing program offered by the county’s transit operators.

Participating operators are Camarillo Area Transit, Gold Coast Transit District, Kanan Shuttle, Moorpark City Transit, Ojai Trolley, Simi Valley Transit, Thousand Oaks Transit, Valley Express, and VCTC Intercity Service.

Free Fare Days is a pilot program that begins in September 2023 and will last through June 2024. More information about the program, including frequently asked questions, can be found on the VCTC website.

“The Free Fare Days program provides opportunities for people who never or rarely use public transit to try bus service at no cost. At the same time, the program is a way to show our appreciation to riders who regularly use public transit to get around,” said Claire Grasty, VCTC’s director of public transit. “Taking the bus also results in fewer cars on the road, less traffic congestion and cleaner air.”

The Free Fare Days program is funded by a grant obtained and administered by VCTC from California’s Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), a part of the state’s cap-and-trade program. LCTOP provides funds to public transportation agencies for investments in capital projects and services that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve mobility. Other local programs supported by LCTOP are Youth Ride Free, College Ride and Metrolink’s Ventura County Line Weekend Train Service.

“The Free Fare Days program is another positive example of regional agencies working together to provide a valuable service to the public,” said VCTC Executive Director Martin Erickson. “VCTC is grateful for the partnership of the county’s bus operators, who make this program and other regional transit programs possible.”