On October 20th, Reconnect Rochester is partnering with Regional Transit Services to provide people with a free ride on the bus. The effort is an experiment, part of Critical Mass Transit Day, which aims to raise awareness of the price paid every time residents get into their cars.

As the organization puts it, “on an average day in Rochester, over 1.5 million dollars vanish”—money that’s spent on gasoline and leaves the local economy. Meanwhile, every $1 spent on public transit results in $4 dollars recirculated in the community in economic returns, according to the American Public Transit Association.

By flashing a “no-UFO” pin to the bus driver, Rochester residents can take the bus for a test drive and simultaneously cast a symbolic vote for public transit. Pins were given out at farmers’ markets earlier this month and can also be ordered online. If you live in Rochester, take a ride, and stop the alien abduction of local dollars!