Officials order Mexican drivers to leave cars idle

MEXICO CITY, Mexico (KTRK) -- Could you imagine having to give up your car five days a month? Especially here in Houston, that might be hard for some.

Authorities have ordered all cars off the roads in Mexico City one day a week as the region copes with its worst air pollution in more than a decade.

Vehicles must also be idle one Saturday a month.

The move follows a "Phase One Emergency" put in place two weeks ago due to high ozone levels.

It's Mexico City's first air-quality alert in 11 years.

The new car measure goes into effect next Tuesday.

It will stay in place until June 30th.

Authorities have also offered free bus and subway rides to get people out of their cars.