Agency encourages Community to Go Car-Free with Complimentary Bus Rides Across the Coachella Valley
(Thousand Palms, CA) – SunLine Transit Agency, in support of World Car-Free Day, encourages Coachella Valley residents and visitors to leave their cars at home on Monday, September 22, 2025, and celebrate this special initiative by enjoying free fares on all SunLine’s fixed-route services for the entire day.
The concept of car-free days emerged in the 1970s, and was popularized when World Car-Free Day was launched internationally in 2000 – organized by groups such as Carbusters (now the World Carfree Network) and the Earth Day Network. The first car-free days were held in cities like Reykjavik, Iceland and La Rochelle, France, with the United Kingdom becoming the first country to organize a car-free day as a nationwide campaign.
“Car-Free Day is a perfect time to experience the convenience and benefits of public transportation,” said Mona Babauta, CEO/General Manager of SunLine Transit Agency. “Riding the bus reduces fuel costs, helps the environment, and makes getting around the Coachella Valley easy and enjoyable.”
With features like the Transit app and free onboard Wi-Fi, riders can track their bus in real time and stay connected while on the move. Riders simply need to board a fixed route bus on September 22, 2025, to take advantage of the free fares on that day only. This promotion is valid on SunLine’s local Fixed Route network, excluding 10 Commuter Link, SunRide, and SunDial. Regular route schedules and stops will remain in effect throughout the day.