Leave your gas-guzzler at home and ride the bus on June 16. That’s the message the Riverside Transit Agency is spreading for Dump the Pump Day, a national event on June 16 that encourages people to ride public transportation to save money and help the environment. To sweeten the deal, RTA’s street team will provide giveaways and a limited number of free 1-Day passes that day at Riverside City Hall at the corner of Main and 9th streets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to the public and an RTA bus equipped with free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports will be on display.
“Riding the bus makes sense on Dump the Pump Day or any other day,” said RTA Chairman of the Board Frank Johnston. “It puts extra cash in your pocket, reduces the stress of driving and helps the environment. Whether you are a student, senior citizen or military veteran, there’s never been a better time to ride.”
Indeed, there has never been a better time to ride. This summer, students in grades 1-12 can ride for a quarter. RTA’s Beach Bus is already operating with express service from Murrieta and Temecula to Oceanside. Meanwhile, City of Riverside employees ride for free and City of Riverside residents get discounts on 7 and 30 Day bus passes. Hundreds of college students continue to get unlimited bus rides thanks to the Go-Pass and U-Pass programs at California Baptist University, La Sierra University, Moreno Valley College, Mt. San Jacinto College, Riverside City College and University of California at Riverside. Norco College is expected to join the mix this fall.
For people on the fence about riding the bus, just try it for the day, said Andy Melendrez, an RTA Boardmember and Riverside City Councilmember. “Dump the Pump Day provides us with a great opportunity to encourage people to leave their cars at home and ride the bus, if only just for one day,” Melendrez said. “It also allows us to say thank you to our valued customers for their patronage and welcome new ones aboard.”
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the annual event began in 2006 when national gas prices hit then-record levels. Today, the average price for regular unleaded fuel in the Inland area is roughly $3 a gallon. According to the latest APTA Transit Savings Report, individuals in a two-person household can save an average of more than $10,100 annually by taking public transportation and downsizing to one car.
