Try transit and win a prize

Nearly one year ago, on April 28, the maricopaXPRESS hit the road to provide transportation to downtown Phoenix and Tempe for Maricopa residents.

The maricopaXPRESS will celebrate its first year of service with Try Transit Week, beginning Monday, April 13, through Friday, April 24.

According to city Transit Coordinator Kellee Kelley, this event is being observed locally in conjunction with Earth Day on April 22. On that day customers may travel free of charge to Phoenix and Tempe.

Transit saves time and money, and it helps the environment. Using transit, carpooling or vanpooling helps reduce congestion on roadways and saves on the amount of oil and fuel consumed, as well as the carbon emissions released into the environment. While transit requires fares, the cost is minimal compared to filling personal vehicles with gasoline.

Those who already use transit or are interested in trying it for the first time can sign up to receive a voucher for one free round trip from April 13-24. When residents 18 years of age or older pledge to try transit, they will be automatically entered for a chance to win a maricopaXPRESS bus pass to ride free for one month, as well as many other prizes.

Entries are limited to one per person, and city employees, council members and their families are not eligible to participate. Contest rules are available on the maricopaXPRESS website.

Pledges will be accepted from April 13-17 at 5 p.m. Prizes will be awarded on April 21. They include the following:

· three two-month passes to be used for any MaricopaXPRESS routes
· 18 holes of golf with a shared cart at the Francisco Grande
· Native American hand-crafted silver earrings
· Lunch for two at the Duke at Rancho El Dorado
· Items from the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals
· Target gift cards

Explore the maricopaXPRESS website to learn about the benefits of using transit and transit options as well as fares, routes and schedules. All buses depart from the Maricopa Park-and-Ride station at 45822 W. Garvey.

Download a pledge form here or pick one up at city hall, 45145 W. Madison Ave. For questions, call 520-316-6948.

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