Santa Barbara is a pedestrian and cycling-friendly town. Unlike most cities in California, you can actually get around quite well without a car. And your conscience will feel extra clear if you use public transportation because the shuttles are electric! In fact, the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District boasts North America's largest fleet of electric vehicles.
The County and City's progressive transportation policies have resulted in a comprensive network of bike paths around town, and Santa Barbara was identified in 2006 by the League of American Cyclists as the 13th most bike-friendly community in the U.S. Highlighted in the League's report were the city's pioneering 1974 Bike Master Plan, and the recent completion of the Shoreline Bikeway.
The coolest thing for our earth-friendly visitors is the Santa Barbara Car Free Project, a pet project of the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District that presents car-free alternatives for travel to and from Santa Barbara and a guide to experiencing and exploring Santa Barbara car-free. The www.santabarbaracarfree.org website offers maps and walking tour itineraries, Amtrak discounts, car-free resources and special Car Free vacation packages. See, you can save money and save the environment!
GREEN TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
Amtrak
800.USA.RAIL, www.amtrak.com
City of Santa Barbara Transportation Planning & Alternative Transportation
805.564.5385
Clean Air Express
805.961.8920, www.cleanairexpress.com
COAST Coalition for Sustainable Transportation
Electric Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle
Hertz Rental Car
690 South Fairview, Goleta
805.967.0411, www.hertz.com
Hertz offers a Green Collection (cars with an EPA of 28 mpg or better) of rentals to choose from.
Lucky Cab
805.968.5020
Hybrid taxi service
MTD: Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District
The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) has been a national leader in the application of alternative fuels to the public transportation industry. MTD’s pioneering work with electric buses is acknowledged and respected worldwide. Continuing in this vein, MTD is now considering the use of biofuels (specifically biodiesel) in its fleet as a means to address the energy security, sustainability, and environmental issues associated with the utilization of petroleum fuels.
Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition
Santa Barbara Airbus
805.964.7759, www.sbairbus.com
Santa Barbara Car Free Project
805.696.1100, www.santabarbaracarfree.org
The Santa Barbara Car Free Project, designed to promote car-free travel to and around Santa Barbara, is led by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District. More than 100 partners - government agencies, non profits, and tourist businesses and organizations - work towards the Project's goals of reducing traffic and promoting cleaner air. The Project won the 2004 Environmental Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the 2004 "Niche Marketing -Eco-Tourism" Award from the California Travel and Tourism Commission.
Segway of Santa Barbara
805.963.7672, www.segwayofsb.com
Traffic Solutions:
805.963.SAVE, www.trafficsolutions.info
Feel free to request a free Bike Map of Santa Barbara County from Traffic Solutions! Simply call the number above or email info@TrafficSolutions.info
Wheel Fun Rentals
805.966.2282, www.wheelfunrentals.com
