More than 135 public transit systems in the United States are participating in the 9th annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 19. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), in partnership with the Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), this national public awareness day encourages people to save money by using public transit instead of driving, shows the importance of public transportation to communities, and underlines the environmental and energy benefits that come from public transportation.
“More and more people are using public transportation to save money in light of high and volatile gas prices,” said American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President and CEO Michael Melaniphy. “With gas prices rising, public transit systems across the country are promoting National Dump the Pump Day on June 19 and are encouraging people to ride public transit.”
APTA first started National Dump the Pump Day in June 2006 when gas prices had reached $3 per gallon and the public demand for public transportation was growing in response to high gas prices. According to the June 18 APTA Transit Savings Report, on the average, people in a two-person household can save $10,187 a year when they downsize by one car and take public transit instead.
“National Dump the Pump Day is a great opportunity to take a look at our commuting habits and consider alternatives. Taking public transit, walking, or biking one day a week can add up to some real savings,” said APTA Chair Peter Varga and CEO of The Rapid in Grand Rapids, MI.
From urban to suburban to rural communities, APTA says public transportation is a vital resource to Americans, and a cornerstone of the nation’s economy and local economies.
“National Dump the Pump Day highlights all the benefits that public transportation brings,” said Melaniphy. “On top of individual financial savings, public transportation spurs economic growth for towns and cities, and also improves the environment and reduces our nation’s energy consumption.”