THE LCTA JOINS THE THIRD ANNUAL
NATIONAL “DUMP THE PUMP DAY” TO BE HELD ON JUNE 19
With high
gas prices on everyone’s mind, the Luzerne County Transportation Authority
announced today that it will join with other public transportation systems
through the Commonwealth and the nation to participate in the third annual
national “DUMP THE PUMP DAY” on June
19. Sponsored by the American and Pennsylvania Public Transportation
Associations (APTA/PPTA), the 2008 National “DUMP THE PUMP DAY” is a day that encourages people to ride public
transportation to save money, conserve gasoline, and help reduce greenhouse
gases.
“Using
public transportation is the quickest way to beat high gas prices,” said
Stanley Strelish, Executive Director of the LCTA. If gas prices are too high
for you, then “DUMP THE PUMP” and take the bus on June 19.
Public
transit availability can reduce the need for an additional car [in a two car
family], a yearly expense of $6,251 in a household budget. Each year, public
transportation use saves the equivalent of 34 supertankers of oil, or a
supertanker leaving the Middle East every 11 days.
“Public
Transportation also has an important role to play in helping to reduce
greenhouse gases,” said Mr. Strelish. “If you leave your car behind to take public
transportation, you will be helping to combat climate change”.
According
to a new study prepared by ICF International and titled Broadening the Connection between Public Transportation and Energy
Conservation, public transportation reduces our nation’s carbon emissions
by 7 million metric tons annually – equivalent to the electricity used by 4.9
million households.
“By
participating in the third annual national “DUMP
THE PUMP DAY,” we hope people who have never used the LCTA will decide to
give us a try instead of driving their car,” said Mr. Strelish. “We will
welcome new riders and thank our regular riders as we offer this special
service on national “DUMP THE PUMP DAY:”
$1.00 FARE FOR ALL
DAY USE
Pay $1.00 as you board the bus and you will be given a “ONE DAY PASS.” The pass is good for
unlimited use on June 19 (“DUMP THE PUMP
DAY”) for all scheduled routes in the LCTA system.
“With gas
prices higher than ever and financial concerns affecting everyone, now is the
time to save money and ride public transportation,” said APTA President William
W. Miller. “The national “DUMP THE PUMP
DAY” on June 19 is an opportunity for people across the country to make a
difference in their wallet, as well as the environment.”