Snohomish County, Wash. - Ten years ago, mild-mannered Gene Green was
blasted with exhaust fumes from cars just before his Community Transit
bus arrived to take him to work. Something in the choking smoke altered
his DNA to give him super powers, and he knew he must use his new powers
to fight pollution.

Thus Oxy Gene, the Defender of Truth, Justice and Really Clean Air, was
born. Oxy Gene already knew the benefits of public transportation and
decided to join Community Transit to educate people about alternatives
to driving alone.

To celebrate 10 years of Oxy Gene, Community Transit is hosting a
birthday party for the big guy, and everyone is invited. The party will
take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 31 in the McDonald’s parking
lot at 176th and Highway 99 in Lynnwood. Because it’s Halloween, all
who attend are invited to wear their own costumes and join in the fun.

Also at the same event, a colorful new Swift hybrid bus will be on hand
for attendees to climb aboard to learn all about the new Swift bus rapid
transit service, which begins regular service on Monday, Nov. 30.

While it is his party, Oxy Gene doesn’t want gifts for himself.
He’s asking everyone to bring a new, unwrapped present that will be
distributed by Christmas House, which helps Snohomish County families in
need have a happier holiday season. Radio station WARM 106.9 FM will
broadcast from the event.

“The good people of Snohomish County are very generous, and I know
they want to help their neighbors!” boomed the chiseled 6-foot-2
superhero. “Just as I help stop pollution, everyone can help to make
the holidays a little brighter for our fellow citizens by bringing a toy
for Christmas House.”

Community Transit is committed to improving our region’s environment;
helping the public think transit first is just one effort. From
retrofitting its entire fleet to reduce emissions by 90 percent to
virtually eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals in its vehicle
maintenance shops, Community Transit strives to make our communities
greener and more sustainable. Call Community Transit at (425) 353-RIDE
or (800) 562-1375 for bus information, or (888) 814-1300 for carpool or
vanpool information, or go to www.communitytransit.org.