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La Crosse MTU celebrates Transit Equity with special ceremonies and free bus rides

Safe transportation for everyone in the La Crosse area is being promoted by the local MTU, marking Transit Equity Days this week.
Free fares on system buses and other special programs were included in the awareness event happening through Wednesday.
MTU director Adam Lorentz says the Transit Equity promotion helps bring more people onto the city buses. “We’re trying to get people who have never ridden the bus before,” says Lorentz, because some people don’t know what the city has to offer. “We’re trying to get all walks of life to utilize public transportation.”

Some special Tuesday bus rides included candidates for mayor and city council in the spring election.
Mass transit user Liz Fryseth, who uses a guide dog, says city buses are cheaper than taking a taxi, and provide good customer service. “From giving a quick phone call to the transit center if I had a question about a route, they’re always good about answering, to actually getting on the bus and making sure I need to get where I need to go, you just gotta give a little extra time,” says Fryseth.
As part of the Equity Days promotion, MTU bus rides were free on Tuesday. The SMRT bus rides are free all day Wednesday.
February 4th is recognized as a national Transit Equity Day, honoring the birthday of Rosa Parks, who worked against racial discrimination on mass transit.
