With the continued fluctuation of gas prices, the Arizona Transit Association (AzTA) announced June 9 that it will join with other public transportation systems across the nation and throughout Arizona to participate in the tenth annual National Dump the Pump Day on June 18. The slogan for this year’s Dump the Pump Day is “Dump the Pump. Ride Public Transit.” Transit agencies across Arizona are encouraging local residents to get out of their cars and use local public transportation systems – from Mesa to Flagstaff and Kingman to Tucson; it’s time to Dump the Pump AZ.
Transit boarding’s in Arizona continues to increase, and Dump the Pump Day is an opportunity for all Arizonans to get out of the car and explore the many public transportation options available across the state, including light rail, buses and street cars. The event is sponsored nationally by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation to get to 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 also helps people save money. According to the April, 2015 APTA Transit Savings Report, individuals in a two-person household can save an average of more than $9,394 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.