The City of Escalon, through eTrans, is thanking its riders, residents and visitors by providing free rides for trips within the City of Escalon and to Riverbank and Modesto every Wednesday. The free rides began earlier this month.

The city received funds from the State of California, Low Carbon Transit Options Program to fund the cost of the free rides every Wednesday. The goal of the free ride program is to encourage more transit use in Escalon and for trips to Modesto and Riverbank, thus reducing single occupant vehicles, improving air quality, public health and provide more transportation options for those without access to public transit.

For information on eTrans, call (209) 541-6645 or visit www.cityofescalon.org.

eTrans is Escalon’s own bus system. The door-to-door dial-a-ride service operates within the City of Escalon and provides connection to Riverbank. The intercity Route 1 service operates between the Downtown Escalon Park and Ride Lot and Northwest Modesto serving Kaiser Permanente, Vintage Faire Mall and destinations on Kiernan Avenue, Dale Road, McHenry Avenue and Standiford Avenue, Monday through Friday. Transit Services are funded with State Transportation Development Act (TDA), Measure K and Federal Transit Administration Section 5311 funds. All transit services provided by eTrans are open and available to the general public and operated under contract by the San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD).