CARTA announced today that it will join with over 100 other public transit agencies and public and private organizations across the U.S. to participate in the 13th annual National Dump the Pump Day on this Thursday.
Veronica Peebles, CARTA’s manager of Communications and Marketing, said that on Thursday, CARTA will encourage riders to try public transit by offering free bus rides. “There is no better day or price to ride public transit. CARTA is delighted to extend this offer again, particularly to those who have considered using public transportation. We hope this incentive will be the ‘nudge’ that some people need to try CARTA’s services and for those who are already using our bus services, we thank you for your continued patronage”, said Ms. Peebles.
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association, the National Dump the Pump Day encourages people to ride public transportation instead of driving a car. Started in June 2006, this national day emphasizes that "public transportation is a great travel option that also helps people save money, it has a proven record of reducing congestion, and is a cornerstone of local economies that helps communities to grow."
According to APTA’s Transit Savings Report, individuals who switch their daily commute from driving to taking public transportation can save annually, on average, more than $10,160 and on average monthly, more than $847. These savings are based on the cost of riding public transportation compared to the expense of owning and driving a vehicle.
“Saving money, time and allowing someone else to worry about the traffic for you, all while staying connected with the free Wi-Fi on our buses, is another incentive to ride public transit,” Ms. Peebles said. “CARTA makes it easy for you.”