AVTA Celebrates National Dump the Pump Day with Free Onboard Wi-Fi Service

The Antelope Valley Transit Authority will join with thousands of public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the 13th annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 21. The slogan of this year’s event is “Dump the Pump, Ride Public Transit.”

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2018 National Dump the Pump Day is an event that encourages people to ride public transportation to take them where they need to go, instead of driving a car. Started in June 2006 when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this national day emphasizes that public transportation is a convenient travel option that saves money while cutting down harmful exhaust emissions and reducing traffic congestion.

In an effort to enhance the rider experience and highlight more reasons to "Dump the Pump", AVTA will also be unveiling their new free Wi-Fi service on all of their electric buses at a special event for the local business community. The service is being provided through an innovative partnership with local agency Digi-VUE Advertising and ZF Openmatics, at no extra cost to riders or to AVTA. This partnership will create more pathways for economic development and keeping communities connected.

“Free Wi-Fi is just one of the many ways AVTA continues to add value and efficiency to the rider experience," stated AVTA Board Chairman, Marvin Crist. “Riders can increase their productivity by having more time to work, study or stay connected online, and will save money by not having to use their own mobile data plans to do so.”

In addition to kicking off their new Wi-Fi service, AVTA will be promoting Dump the Pump Day through a variety of outreach activities that are scheduled to continue throughout the week. One activity will be a social media photo contest aimed at promoting public transit awareness. Participating riders can win prizes such as an annual AVTA bus pass.

“Dump the Pump Day is a great opportunity to remind people of the many benefits available when choosing public transit, and also how easy it is to use,” said AVTA CEO Macy Neshati. "Not only does it save on costs for fuel, parking, and wear, it provides improved health, safety and peace of mind. Our new free Wi-Fi service will enable more people to use the many efficient tools we have for route navigation, such as Google Transit and Track-It.”

According to APTA, every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns, powering community growth and revitalization.