Go FAR with Fresh Air Rides

A lightrail station looking toward uptown Charlotte on a sunny day.

Keep our air fresh from Aug. 4-31 with Fresh Air Rides (FAR). Mecklenburg County Air Quality, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), Connect Centralina, and Sustain Charlotte, invite residents to participate in this annual air awarenesses challenge to reduce air pollution.

The Charlotte region historically sees higher levels of air pollution in the summers, making now an important time to act and protect air quality.

“FAR is a fun way for the community to get involved with air quality. Cars are our number one source of air pollution, and Fresh Air Rides specifically emphasizes individual decisions that contribute to higher levels of ozone and particulate matter,” said Mecklenburg County Air Quality Director Leslie Rhodes.

“Centralina Regional Council is proud to join our regional partners in supporting Fresh Air Rides. Through CONNECT Centralina, we’re working across boundaries to advance shared goals for clean air, efficient transportation, and stronger communities,” said Sarah Niess, senior planner from Centralina Regional Council. 

Participants can log their entries and see their impact on the FAR dashboard. Each day of participation qualifies as an entry for prizes. Prizes will be chosen randomly and even one entry qualifies for a chance to win.

Weekly prizes will be awarded, with grand prizes announced at the end of the challenge. Grand prizes include:

  • First place: e-scooter and helmet
  • Second place: Fitbit Versa
  • Third place: Two tickets to the Daniel Stowe Conservancy

“Fresh Air Rides is a great reminder that our daily transportation choices have a real impact on air quality and public health,” said Meg Fencil, director of engagement and impact at Sustain Charlotte. “Whether you’re riding the bus, biking, walking, or carpooling, every trip taken without a single-occupancy vehicle helps reduce harmful emissions and build a cleaner, healthier community. Sustain Charlotte is proud to support FAR and encourage residents to rethink how they move through our city—not just for the prizes, but for the planet.”

Anyone aged 18 and over in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region can participate. Eligible activities range from a small adjustment like packing your lunch to trying transit or getting a vanpool together.

"Riding public transit is one of the most effective ways individuals can help improve air quality,” said Catherine Kummer, CATS director of marketing and communications, business partnerships.

“Public transit isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's also about building a more resilient community for generations to come.”

Fresh Air Rides builds on successful campaigns from years past. Last year, 285 residents participated in the clean air campaign, avoiding 2,200 single occupancy vehicle trips and reducing 120 pounds of air pollution. Official rules and eligibility criteria are available at Fresh-Air-Rides-MeckGov.Hub.Arcgis.com.