Celebrate Car Free Day At SMART Commute Event In Mount Vernon

Car Free Day in the Hudson Valley is Friday. Join the SMART Commute team for Car Free Day in Mount Vernon’s Petrillo Plaza from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

Stop by to learn more about how to travel sustainably by using the Bee-Line Bus System. Pick up a system map or bus schedule, enter to win a free 2-trip MetroCard and enjoy complimentary refreshments provided by local businesses.

Ultimate Juices and Edible Arrangements, both of Mount Vernon, will be providing free samples throughout the event, and Lowe’s of Yonkers has graciously donated turf to prove that there are “greener” ways to use your parking spot.

The MetroCard van will be making a special appearance at the Car Free Day event from 3 to 5 p.m. The van is a "one-stop shop" and is equipped to assist bus riders with all of their MetroCard business. Riders will be able to buy a regular MetroCard, apply for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard if they are 65 and older or have qualifying disabilities, and refill their existing MetroCards. MetroCard is the automated regional fare collection system managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer held a press conference to describe the SMART event and ask drivers to leave their cars at home on Friday in celebration of “Car Free Day” in the Hudson Valley.

“I know we are all in the habit of getting into our cars to drive to work each day. But on Car Free Day, I am asking that you try to find one small way celebrate sustainable transportation," Latimer said. "Ride to work with a colleague, or take a walk to your local deli or coffee shop instead of using your car. For the first annual Hudson Valley Car Free Day in 2017 more than 1,500 commuters traveled sustainably, and we are hoping for an even greater turnout this year.”

The Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation is also using Car Free Day to highlight the County’s Smart Commute Program, which provides information to increase the use of mass transit alternatives.

511NYRideshare Program Manager Heliana Verónica Higbie said: “511NY Rideshare is thrilled to partner Westchester County Government to promote sustainable transportation this Car Free Day. We applaud Westchester County’s efforts to make the County more bike, pedestrian and transit accessible, and for encouraging residents to try a more environmentally friendly commute.”

Some participating communities will be concurrently celebrating PARK(ing) Day — repurposing an existing parking space into a temporary park.

Here's Port Chester, from 2017:

White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, who rode a Lime Bike to the press conference, discussed different ways the City of White Plains is embracing sustainable travel.

“We are working very hard to increase pedestrian and bicycle activity throughout the city. We brought Lime Bike in and you can see those bikes all over the city," Roach said. "You can see the personal bikes in the bike racks. People riding bikes to the train station every day. There are a lot of people who walk to the train station every day. And many of the building we are putting up are transit-oriented, and we’re hoping that people won’t even need their cars.”

Help make Car Free Day 2018 a great success, take the pledge to go car free on 9/21. For Bee-Line Bus information visit www.westchestergov.com/beelinebus or call the Bee-Line customer service center at (914) 813-7777, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Automated information is available 24 hours a day.

“There are a lot of ways that Westchester County commuters can reduce their carbon footprints, and Car Free Day is just one example," said Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation Hugh Greechan. "We have made several enhancements to the Bee-Line Bus System this fall, including adding service to various routes where ridership is strong and the demand is high. Commuters and seniors can also apply for reduced fare MetroCards.”

Lead photo/ Westchester County Executive's Office