Lehigh Acres residents can save money, save gas and go green by riding LeeTran for free on Tuesday, April 19.

With fuel prices steadily rising, LeeTran hopes to attract new riders whose budgets are strained each time they fill their tanks.

“Many people are unfamiliar with our transit system,” said Transit Director Steve Myers. “We may be able to take them to work, school, or shopping at a significant savings. We’d like them to consider us as an alternative to driving a single-occupancy vehicle.”

The cost of an all-day pass on LeeTran is $3.50 – less than one gallon of regular gas. The cost of an unlimited monthly pass is $35, or just $1.13 per day. The lower fees are effective throughout the county.

“Drivers can visit our website, rideleetran.com, and use a simple Transit Savings Calculator to find out how much money LeeTran can save them,” Myers said.

For those who are considering riding for the first time, LeeTran’s website also has a TripPlanner, which will create a step-by-step set of directions for any trip. Those without Internet access may call LeeTran customer service at 533-8726 (LEE-TRAN) Monday through Saturday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

LeeTran’s “Try Transit Day” is part of a regional celebration of Earth Week called Transportation Transformation 2011: Taking It to the Streets SWFL.

Its goal is to get Southwest Floridians to use alternate modes of transportation-

walking, biking, taking the bus, carpooling or vanpooling.

This joint venture among Lee County, the City of Fort Myers, Florida Department of Transportation and more, offers participants the chance to win prizes, save time and money, reduce stress and get active. For more information, visit CommuterServicesFL.com.