With the continuing high gas prices, the Yuma County Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (YCIPTA) announced it will join with other public transportation systems across the nation and throughout Arizona to participate in the 8th Annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 20th.
The slogan for this year’s Dump the Pump Day is “Dump the Pump. Save Money. Ride Transit.” Yuma County Area Transit – commonly known as YCAT is encouraging local residents to get out of their cars and use YCAT.
Sponsored nationally by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2013 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation and save money, 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 great travel option that also helps people save money.
Since gas prices reached nearly $4 this year, saving money is on everyone’s minds and public transportation is the quickest way to beat high gas prices. According to the latest APTA Transit Savings Report individuals in a two-person household can save an average of $10,000 annually by downsizing to one car.
“Using transit saves us money, but it also helps clean up the air, and that also saves us money in reduced public health impacts and costs.” said John Andoh, transit director, YCIPTA. “We encourage our passengers to drive less and to walk, bike and use transit.”
As part of the Dump the Pump Day, YCAT will provide free rides countywide on all YCAT routes to give Yumans an opportunity to try out the newly restructured YCAT services. Don’t worry about the fare, just board and take a seat – Yuma – San Luis – Somerton – Foothills – Wellton – Cocopah – Fort Yuma – Winterhaven – El Centro and Gadsden.
