Greenlink is partnering with iMAGINE Upstate and Ten at the Top to offer Fare Free Day on Saturday, April 1. Fare Free Day is designed to coincide with the third annual iMAGINE Upstate fueled by ScanSource, which showcases science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) learning experiences for youth and families. The festival will take place on April 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the West End and at Fluor Field in downtown Greenville.
Ten at the Top is the festival’s transportation partner, and its sponsorship of Fare Free Day will allow Greenlink to provide free service for all passengers on all fixed bus routes on April 1. According to Nicole McAden, Greenlink’s marketing and public affairs specialist, the partnership between iMAGINE Upstate fueled by ScanSource and Ten at the Top is a great example of how public transportation can play a role within the community. “Opportunities like Fare Free Day provide an incentive for first-time riders or riders who otherwise may be hesitant to use public transportation,” said McAden. “Also, by partnering with large attractions such as downtown festivals, we’re able to demonstrate how public transportation can help address issues such as traffic congestion and parking.”
According to iMAGINE Upstate event director Melissa Huff, the 2016 festival attracted more than 20,000 attendees and 71 organizations and was the first year that Fare Free Day was sponsored, which she believes led to a 42% increase in festival attendance. This year, Huff wants to increase participation and attendance even more. “To help achieve a goal of increased participation, we need to begin attracting families who may otherwise not be able to commute to downtown Greenville,” said Huff. “If we can provide more options, then more families can have the opportunity to attend and learn about the educational opportunities highlighted throughout the festival.”
Greenlink passengers and festival attendees can use the Google Transit application at www.ridegreenlink.com to plan their free trips on April 1. More information about iMAGINE Upstate fueled by ScanSource is available at www.imagineupstate.org.