Go Ahead! Dump The Pump
Annual day of transit riding brings home the issues
Ditch your car and steer clear of gas stations in this annual "Dump The Pump Day."
In these tough economic times everyone is looking to save wherever they can. Many people are also looking for a way to live green and help save the planet.
Today's your day.
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and transit systems across the country -- including the Chicago Transit Authority -- are celebrating the fourth annual National Dump the Pump Day today.
The day is designed to encourage people to get out of their cars, ride public transportation to save money, protect the environment, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and improve quality of life. Public transportation has the ability to save people money, conserve gasoline, and reduce the harmful greenhouse gases emitted into our environment.
APTA reports that individuals can achieve an average annual savings of over $8,000 by taking public transportation instead of driving and by living with one less car, a release from the CTA said. Also, for every $1 invested in public transportation infrastructure, $6 is generated in economic returns to communities, the release said.
In honor of Dump the Pump Day, the CTA is teaming up with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and other local transit agencies to distribute transit benefits information, a flyer outlining the benefits of public transit and "I Dumped the Pump" stickers at transit locations throughout the city during the morning rush periods.
"We look forward to welcoming new riders and thanking our regular riders for taking the CTA on National Dump the Pump Day," CTA President Richard L. Rodriguez said. "In addition to saving money over driving, choosing public transit also helps to reduce emissions and improve our air quality as well as lessening traffic congestion."
The CTA removes about 400,000 vehicles from the region's roads each weekday, the agency said. A full eight-car CTA train removes more than 600 cars from the road, and each 40-foot CTA bus removes more than 60 cars.
The Dump the Pump Web site offers tools for how you can participate.
Posted Tuesday, Jul 14, 2009 - 2:48 AM CST
