“Dump the Pump” Day Encourages Commuters to Try Mass Transit for a Day

Today is National Dump the Pump day and commuters around the country will be giving their cars a day off in honor of the 4th annual celebration.

In honor of “dumping the gas pump” and promoting mass transit, metro areas all across the country are offering discounts, events and freebies, like these:

• Orlando, FL – Orlando’s LYNX system is offering free rides on all of their public transit systems today.
• Chicago, IL – Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) ambassadors will be on hand at several stops to welcome new riders and answer questions.
• Fort Worth, TX – All Fort Worth buses will be free. (Don’t confuse this with the Dallas DART agency. While they are celebrating dumping the pump, they will not, unfortunately, be offering free rides.)
• Miami Dade County – Sunny Miami has provided a toll free number to help people who normally don’t take mass transit plan their trip.
• Detroit, MI – Even the Motor City is getting in on the pump dumping action with a carnival at Cadillac Square from 11am to 2pm.
• Atlanta, GA – Corporate partners of Atlanta’s MARTA bus and rail system will be handing out coupons and prizes.
• Louisville, KY – The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) will be giving out “I dumped the pump” bumper stickers to all riders.

If you didn’t see your city on the list, check out the APTA’s list of cities participating in Dump the Pump Day, 2009.
While Dump the Pump is a mass transit event, sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), mass transit is by no means the only way you can get where you’re going while still saving the environment and decreasing stress. Here are a few others ways to travel in style:

1. Car or Vanpool – A major complaint (or, some might say, “excuse”) of non-transit riders is the time factor. Though riding transit is less stressful than navigating traffic, it can take extra time to catch buses or make rail connections. With a carpool or vanpool, you do your part to decrease carbon emissions while still getting back and forth to work in a timely manner. And if you, like many people, worry about catching the car or vanpool on those days where you find yourself working unexpectedly late, check and see if your local area has a “Guaranteed Ride Home” program to offer that little extra cushion of comfort.
2. Walk or Bike – This is the option for those of us who live near work. If you chose this commute option, you’ll benefit from exercise, enjoy the (hopefully) fresh air and get to know your area from street level.
3. Telecommute – Many self-employed people and small business owners already work from home, but if you have a day job, chances are you are still battling traffic every morning. Dump the Pump Day might be just the excuse you need to approach your boss about teleworking. Nervous about taking the plunge? Check out “How to Ask the Boss if You Can Work Remotely” from Web Worker Daily.

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