One way to promote the link between transit and transit oriented development

From KCBS radio, San Francisco:

Pilot Program Offers Free Transit

BERKELEY, Calif. (KCBS) -- A new pilot program is offering 1,900 East Bay residents free transportation for a year.

The program, a joint effort of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, will offer residents of select transit-oriented developments known as Transit Villages with personalized TransLink smart cards for a year. Participants will have access to unlimited free rides on AC Transit's local and transbay buses.

Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates and transit and housing and housing officials unveiled the program Tuesday at a senior citizen home where several residents are enthusiastically taking part of the program. Transit villages include complexes located in Oakland, Berkeley, San Leandro, Emeryville and El Cerrito.

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