Friday declared another
spare the air day

By Erica Holt, Bay City News Service

June 22, 2006

Bay Area transit agencies are gearing up for another free day, as the Bay Area Air Quality Management District declared this afternoon that Friday will be a Spare the Air day.

Air quality will probably reach unhealthy levels again Friday, according to Mark Ross, vice chair of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District board. The National Weather Service expects extremely hot temperatures through Friday.

Transit agencies bustled with commuters today who took advantage of free rides on the summer's first Spare the Air day.

Transit agencies including AC Transit, Caltrain and Golden Gate Ferry reported some overcrowding on the morning commute, but overall they were prepared for extra riders.

Golden Gate Ferry served at least 300 more passengers than usual this morning, but an extra ferry helped with the load, according to Mary Currie, spokeswoman for the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District. By late morning, the parking lot was filling with cars packed with children preparing for a free summer ride, Currie said.

Spare the Air season began June 1 and continues through Oct. 13.

It was created in 2004 to cut down on pollutants and is a partnership between Bay Area Rapid Transit, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and other agencies.

In addition to using public transportation, Bay Area residents are asked to postpone using gasoline-powered lawn mowers and garden equipment.

Other ways to spare the air include refueling cars after sundown and avoiding oil-based paints and spray products such as hair sprays, bug sprays and household solvents.

Vigorous outdoor exercise should be limited to early morning or evening hours when ozone levels are lower, according the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

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