IndyGo Commuter Express (ICE) Greenwood riders were greeted by more than a friendly bus driver this morning. Staff from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and IndyGo greeted riders at the pick-up location in the Greenwood Meijer's parking lot and thanked them for using alternative means of transportation on their daily commute. Using transportation alternatives helps improve air quality, which is a focus of IDEM's Clean Air Indiana campaign.

"We want to get people thinking about alternative ways to travel," said Dan Murray, IDEM assistant commissioner. "Walking, riding a bike, taking a bus or carpooling helps improve air quality by reducing vehicle emissions. It also reduces traffic congestion, which reduces air emissions even more."

Murray lives in Greenwood and began taking the ICE Greenwood this past spring as his schedule allows. "Taking the Greenwood ICE to work has been a pleasant experience," said Murray. "I'm better prepared for the day because I can review materials on my way into work downtown. At the same time, I'm doing my part to improve air quality. We're hoping current ICE riders will talk to others about the multiple benefits of using public transportation, helping us spread the word, thereby getting even more cars off the road."

"Every time you ride the bus, you are keeping our city's environment clean while cutting back on your overall commute costs," said Michael Terry, IndyGo president and CEO. "It's the perfect time to do something. Try public transportation and let us show you how easy it is to get out of your cars, even if only for a few times per week."

Motor vehicles are a significant source of ozone-forming air emissions in Indiana, so IDEM staff delivered tips that save fuel and help air quality. To learn what Hoosiers can do to clear the air and to find a complete list of Clean Air Indiana events, visit www.idem.IN.gov/cleanair. 

Known as a summer pollutant, ground-level ozone forms when sunlight and hot weather bake vehicle exhaust, factory emissions and gasoline vapors. While necessary in the upper atmosphere, ozone is a respiratory irritant at ground level that can make breathing difficult. Children, the elderly and anyone with heart or lung problems are more sensitive to ground-level ozone.

The Clean Air Indiana campaign also asks businesses to reduce ozone-forming activities from June 15 through 30, a time of summer that has historically experienced high levels of ground-level ozone. A business can take the Clean Air Indiana Business Challenge and Pledge at www.idem.IN.gov/cleanair.  

About IDEM
IDEM (www.idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment. 

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