Day meant to save gas promoted
Author: Amy Zalar
Source: Herald-Standard
Date: June 15, 2008
With gas prices hovering at $4 per gallon, and a frequent topic of conversation, Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation is announcing it is joining with other public transportation systems throughout Pennsylvania and the United States to participate in the third annual "National Dump the Pump Day" on Thursday.
The event encourages people across the country to use public transit.
"Using public transportation is the quickest way to beat high gas prices," said Michelle Grant Shumar, director of FACT. "If gas prices are too high for you, then dump the pump and take a bus on June 19."
Sponsored by the American and Pennsylvania Public Transportation Associations (APTA/PPTA), the 2008 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, conserve gasoline and help reduce greenhouse gases.
According to FACT, one-car households with two workers who use public transportation save $6,200 every year, compared to a household with no access to public transportation.
According to a new study prepared by ICF International (a global professional services firm) and titled "Broadening the Connection between Public Transportation and Energy Conservation," public transportation reduces the nation's carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons annually, equivalent to the electricity used by 4.9 million households.
Shumar said she is hoping that people who never have used FACT will give public transportation a try instead of driving their car on Thursday.
"We will welcome new riders and thank our regular riders as we offer special services and benefits on National Dump the Pump Day, including free ride tokens and giveaways throughout the day," Shumar said.
According to APTA President William W. Millar, the event is an opportunity for people across the country to make a difference in their wallet, as well as the environment.
"With gas prices higher than ever and financial concerns affecting everyone, now is the time to save money and ride public transportation," Millar said.
