Ordinary days ceased to exist a few years ago; there isn’t a single spot left on the calendar that isn’t filled with a “world or international day” that (almost) no one celebrates. Some of these days serve to raise awareness of diseases, charitable causes, or truly important issues, but others are just nonsense, like World Spaghetti Day (January 4) or World Towel Day (May 25).
However, some of these “events” are indeed accompanied by interesting initiatives; European Mobility Week and World Car-Free Day are perfect examples of dates that were, at first glance, imposed, but have managed to become a sort of tradition, at least in Valencia.
This year, they’ve put together a very special schedule featuring the launch of three new bus routes and a day when all bus service will be free (Tuesday, September 22). You can check out the full schedule for European Mobility Week on the Municipal Transportation Company (EMT) website.
Free Public Transportation on World Car-Free Day
As is customary, on Tuesday, September 22— World Car-Free Day—Valencia will celebrate with unlimited, free rides on EMT buses. From 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., all passengers can travel throughout the city at no cost.
In addition, this year the event was accompanied by a special game: 500 10-ride bus passes hidden among the seats, handrails, and nooks and crannies of the buses themselves. A special prize as a thank-you for choosing public transportation.
The Mobility Festival in the Viveros Gardens
This weekend, Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, the Great Mobility Festival will be held at the Jardines de Viveros . The event features shows, road safety workshops, a gaming zone, and even a video game tournament with prizes like tablets and smartphones. By the way, if you arrive by bus and show your pass at the EMT tent, you’re guaranteed a gift.
In other parts of the city (Plaza de San Agustín and the Jardín del Turia), urban scavenger hunts are also being organized throughout the week, with a guaranteed prize and a raffle for a smartwatch.
Open House at Local Facilities
The EMT, the Local Police, and the City of Valencia will open their doors to all citizens who want to see firsthand how their services operate. Visitors will be able to tour the Traffic Control Center, the Citizen Services Office, and the San Isidro bus depot; as well as the Traffic Management Center in the Tabacalera building, the Local Police Museum, and the emergency dispatch center.
