The Raleigh Transit Authority is joining with other 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 National Dump the Pump Day is “Dump the Pump. Ride Public Transit.”
At its meeting Thursday, the Raleigh Transit Authority approved a proclamation formally recognizing National Dump the Pump Day.
“Declaring Dump the Pump Day locally means that the City recognizes the importance of public transportation. Transit provides citizens with real options other than driving a car,” said Jason Horne, chair of the Raleigh Transit Authority.
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2018 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation and to take them where they need to go, instead of driving a car. Starting in June 2006, when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this national day emphasizes that public transportation is a convenient travel option that also helps people save money. According to the June APTA Transit Savings Report, individuals in a two-person household can save an average of more than $10,160 annually by downsizing to one car.
Additionally, public transportation is a cornerstone of local economies in urban, suburban, and rural communities. In fact, 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.
The Wake Transit Plan, enacted in April 2017 after the November 2016 referendum adding a half-cent sales tax increase, will expand and better connect the public transit network throughout Wake County. You can find more information on that community investment in transit online.
GoRaleigh drivers and staff will wear Dump the Pump Day stickers leading up to June 21 to help inform the public about choosing transit that day. There will also be recognition of those riders at GoRaleigh events in GoRaleigh Station and other bus stops throughout the day Thursday. Participants can register at our Facebook or Meetup pages.
GoRaleigh, the City of Raleigh’s transit service, provides bus service throughout Raleigh. Route maps, schedules and other information can be found here at goraleigh.org.