AUGUSTA – Mainers are being offered free bus rides on Fridays by several of the state’s public transit companies as part of a new energy-saving effort.

Gov. John Baldacci is announced several steps to conserve fuel as the weather gets colder and prices rise.

Baldacci says Maine is pushing Congress to increase federal energy assistance funding, and a team is being set up to respond to an energy emergency. Another $400,000 is being committed for weatherization and fuel.

“Fare Free Friday” will start in a week. For six weeks, commuters can ride free on buses operated by several companies.