With the continued fluctuation of gas prices, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) is joining with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the tenth annual National Dump the Pump Day on June 18. The slogan of this year’s National Dump the Pump Day is “Dump the Pump. Ride Public Transit.”
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Dump the Pump Day encourages people to ride public transportation and save money, instead of driving a car. The annual event started in June 2006 when gas prices were $3 per gallon to emphasize that public transportation is a great travel option that also helps people save money. According to the April APTA Transit Savings Report, individuals in a two-person household can save an average of more than $9,394 annually by downsizing to one car.
Additionally, public transportation is a cornerstone of local economies in urban, suburban, and rural communities. In fact, a public transportation helps to make a community economically prosperous and competitive. Every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns, powering community growth and revitalization.
Encouraging commuters to participate in Dump the Pump Day is one way that RTD, and many other transportation agencies alike encourage commuters to try alternative modes of transportation that could lead to new traveling habits and cut the cost of a daily commute.
