With the return of high gas prices, CARTA announced today that it will join with other public transportation systems across the U.S. in the ninth annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday.
The slogan of this year’s event is: “Dump the Pump. Save Money. Ride Transit.”
Veronica Peebles, CARTA’s manager of communications, said that on June 19 CARTA will encourage riders by offering the 24 Hour Unlimited Ride Pass for just $4. “By eliminating the upfront $2 cost for the card, we’re reducing the fee by 33 percent and offering a full day of unlimited transportation for only $4. That’s a real bargain”, said Ms.
Peebles.
The 24 Hour Unlimited Ride Passes can be purchased at CARTA’s administrative office located on Wilcox Blvd., the Chattanooga Parking Authority located on Market St. next to the Chattanooga Choo Choo, or from any CARTA bus driver.
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association, the 2014 National Dump the Pump Day encourages people to ride public transportation and save money instead of driving a car. Started in June 2006 when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this national day emphasizes that "public transportation is a great travel option that also helps people save money," organizers said.
"Now that gas prices are well above $3 per gallon, Chattanoogans are once again looking for ways to cut their transportation costs. Taking the bus is certainly one very easy way to do that,” said Ms. Peebles.
According to the latest APTA Transit Savings Report, individuals in a two-person household can save an average of $10,174 annually by downsizing to one car. “And they can save even more if they let CARTA do the driving”, Ms. Peebles said.