Getting stuck in traffic on hot summer days is one of the most unpleasant experiences facing commuters. At the same time, all those cars on the road can contribute to unhealthy levels of ozone pollution. One of the best ways to improve this situation is to use mass transit, which is why University Human Resources and NJ Transit have worked together to offer the OzonePass Program to Rutgers–New Brunswick employees.

OzonePasses are special discounted tickets that allow you to try mass transit instead of driving on days when high levels of ozone pollution are predicted. On these days, Rutgers Employees can use OzonePasses to commute to and from work on any NJ Transit bus, train, or light rail system.  Employees should note that OzonePass tickets are not valid for travel to New York or Philadelphia and cannot be used on Metro North trains, but they are still a great deal if you are commuting within New Jersey.

OzonePasses can be purchased at the Cashier's Office, Records Hall, College Avenue Campus.  Purchase must be made in cash, but the passes are only $1.50 for one-way and $3.00 for a round-trip.  They can be used on any designated Ozone Action Days or Health Watch Days through September 9, 2011.

To find out which days the OzonePasses are valid, employees may visit the Department of Environmental Protection Air Monitoring web page at http://www.njaqinow.net/ to determine if the day has been designated an Ozone Action or Health Watch Day. At the end of the summer,  unused passes may be returned to the Cashier’s Office for a refund before September 14, 2011.

For more information about the program and purchasing tickets, visit the OzonePass webpage or call 732/932-3020, ext. 4077.