Save Your Money, Dump The Pump!

PRLog (Press Release) – Jun 05, 2009 – FORT LAUDERDALE, FL  -- As America’s economic challenges continue, South Florida’s transit agencies (Broward County Transit, Miami-Dade Transit, Palm Tran, South Florida Commuter Services, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, Tri-Rail and Florida Department of Transportation) announced today that it will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the fourth annual National Dump the Pump Day on June 18.   Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2009 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, protect the environment and improve our quality of life.
“America is facing a number of significant economic challenges right now,” said James Udvardy, project director of South Florida Commuter Services.  “People that use public transportation are helping to answer those challenges for themselves and for their country -- that’s why we’re asking people to join us and dump the pump on June 18.”
Individuals can achieve an average annual savings of over $8,000 by taking public transportation instead of driving. Riding the bus or train is more cost-effective than paying high

car expenses, which include gas, insurance, repairs and more.  Plus, for every $1 invested in public transportation infrastructure, $6 is generated in economic returns to communities.
Public transportation is also a great way to go green.  It saves 900,000 automobile fill-ups each day – 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline per year.  Switching to public transportation reduces individual carbon emissions by 4,800 pounds per year, provides cleaner air and improves our quality of life.

“By participating in Dump the Pump Day, we hope people who have never used the bus or train will decide to give it a try instead of driving their car,” Udvardy said.  “If they are not able to use public transportation, we are encouraging commuters to carpool to take one more car off the road for National Dump the Pump Day.”
“With the economic downturn affecting everyone, now is the time to save money and ride public transportation,” said William W. Millar, president of APTA. “National Dump the Pump Day on June 18 is an opportunity for people across the country to ease the strain on their wallets and provide a more secure future for America.”      
To plan your trip in support of National Dump the Pump Day or to learn more about all commuter options, call 1-800-234-RIDE or visit www.1800234RIDE.com.