DART announces a “Try Transit” Day in celebration of Earth Day, for the public to ride any of DART bus services statewide for free, including Paratransit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. This day will not only be an opportunity to raise awareness for the planet’s environmental challenges, but also to highlight the many benefits of using public transportation.

Choosing sustainable commuting methods like public transit helps communities decrease pollution while saving money on travel. According to the most recent data provided by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), it is estimated that the average household spends 16 cents of every dollar on transportation, and 93% of this goes to buying, maintaining, and operating cars. Households can save nearly $13,000 by taking public transportation and living with one less car. Communities that invest in public transit reduce the nation’s carbon emissions by 63 million metric tons annually. DART encourages all to become a “Clean Air” Partner in Transit.

“We continue to work to make our public transportation system accessible to more customers across the state,” said Secretary of Transportation Shanté Hastings. “With gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon currently, “Try Transit” Day is a chance to save money and see how we can help you spend less time behind the wheel.”

“DART First State offers safe, convenient, and affordable public transit options throughout Delaware. By providing this Free Try Transit Day, we aim to encourage more Delaware residents to experience and take advantage of the outstanding services DART First State has to offer,” said John Sisson, CEO of Delaware Transit Corporation.

DART’s “Try Transit” Day is part of ongoing efforts to encourage the public to “Save Green Ride Clean” by avoiding rising gas prices and saving money by riding public transit. Some other ways the public is invited to do their share for cleaner air include:

• Find Rides and Earn Rewards by registering with Delaware Commute Solutions
• Walk or ride a bicycle for short, easy trips
• If you do drive, drive smoothly and avoid long idling and jackrabbit starts
• Postpone refueling your car until the evening – and don’t “top off” your tank
• Postpone mowing the lawn with gasoline-powered mowers until evening
• Avoid lighting your charcoal barbecue with starter lighter fluid
• Use latex rather than oil-based paints

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State. For more information, please visit DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART. Real-Time Bus Information, DART Connect on-demand microtransit service and DART Pass mobile fare payment are all available on the free DART Transit app (iOS and Android)