Red, White and Routes: METRO Promotes Transit on July 4

On July 4th, METRO's Public Engagement teams braved the heat to attend major events such as Freedom Over Texas, the Southwest District's Liberty Fest, and the Lindale Park Independence Day celebration.

Teams distributed informational materials and had meaningful conversations with residents to share information about routes and fare programs as well as the convenience and cost-effectiveness of using public transportation.

METRO buses stationed at the events did double duty, serving as interactive educational displays and cooling centers to help celebrants take a break from the heat.

According to METRO Public Engagement Manager Wilfredo Santamaria, public transportation shares many of the same tenets that the Fourth of July commemorates.

"Transit provides accessible transportation options that allow individuals to participate in community events, access essential services, and contribute to the local economy," said Santamaria. "When you think about it, this vital public service embodies the principles of freedom and autonomy that we celebrate on Independence Day."

Double Duty: METRO buses stationed at the events served as interactive educational displays and cooling centers to help celebrants take a break from the heat.

Santamaria emphasized that holiday celebrations provide perfect opportunities for METRO to educate people about the benefits of transit and gather valuable feedback on the Authority's performance.

"It's crucial for us to build trust and show people the ease of using METRO services for their daily commute. Plus, we are always seeking ways to better meet their needs. Participating in these community events is a great way to achieve that," he said.