dumpthepump21During the summertime more people take to the roads for vacations and other summer activities. This means more automobile emissions, making summer the perfect time to think about public transportation.

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and transit systems across the country will celebrate the fourth annual National Dump the Pump day today, Thursday, June 18, 2009.

This day is designed to encourage people to take public transportation instead of their cars and to raise awareness of the environmental and financial benefits of public transit.  Using public transportation can save money, conserve gasoline, and reduce the amount of harmful greenhouse gases emitted into our environment.

The American Public Transportation Association goal is for people who have never used public transportation to give it a try instead of driving their car. Many public transportation systems across the nation are offering special promotions and free rides on June 18th to encourage the switch to public transportation.

“With gas prices increasing 33% since December, coupled with uncertain economic times, people have been looking for ways to save and riding public transportation is a great choice to make,” said APTA President William Millar. “The National Dump the Pump Day on June 18 is an opportunity for people across the country to make a difference in their wallet, as well as in the environment.”

Last year, in the United States alone, 10.7 billion trips were taken on public transportation. Public transportation use is up 38 percent since 1995, nearly triple the population growth rate of 14 percent.

Public transportation saves 900,000 automobile fill-ups each day nationwide — 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline per year. Switching to public transportation can reduce individual carbon emissions by 20 pounds per day or 4,800 pounds per year.

According to the American Public Transportation Association

  • U.S. greenhouse gases from transportation represent 33 percent of total U.S. emissions.
  • Public transportation saves 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually – equivalent to the emissions resulting from the electricity generated for the use of 4.9 million households or every household in Washington, DC; New York City; Atlanta; Denver; and Los Angeles combined.
  • If an individual switches a 20-mile roundtrip commute to public transportation, his or her emissions will fall by 4,800 pounds per year, equal to a 10 percent reduction in a two-car household’s carbon footprint.
  • Public transportation offers an immediate alternative for individuals seeking to reduce their energy use and carbon footprints. Taking public transportation far exceeds the combined benefits of using energy-efficient light bulbs, adjusting thermostats, weatherizing one’s home, and replacing a refrigerator.

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