Blue Water Area Transit will offer a free fare day on June 19, to celebrate National Dump the Pump Day.
The local transit agency will cover collection boxes and bus drivers will not accept fares on fixed-route buses, dial-a-ride buses, the shopper shuttle, and commuter route buses.
“Our goal is to get people who are sick of high gas prices to leave their cars at home for one day and use public transit instead,” says BWAT General Manager Jim Wilson. “When people see how much money they can save and that it’s safe, convenient, and a great way to meet their neighbors, they often continue to use transit.”
The number of passengers riding BWAT buses has increased at a record-breaking pace since 2008, when the agency’s monthly ridership record was broken for the first time in 27 years. Since then, BWAT has continued to set new ridership records each year.
The American Public Transportation Association introduced “Dump the Pump Day” nine years ago when gas prices were $3 per gallon. The day encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, instead of driving a car.
“We are inviting people to see how transit is a great alternative to today’s escalating gas prices,” adds Linda Bruckner, Blue Water Area Transportation Commission Board chair and Fort Gratiot Township trustee.
APTA reports that a two-person household that downsizes to one car can save an average of more than $10,174 a year.
