Posted on Monday, June 18, 2018
On Thursday, June 21, Coast RTA will join with a host of fellow public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the 13th Annual National Dump the Pump Day. The slogan for this year’s National Dump the Pump Day is “Dump the Pump. Ride Public Transit.”
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. 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 June APTA Transit Savings Report, an individual can save an average of more than $10,160 annually switching from driving to using public transportation for the daily commute. And, individuals in a two-person household can save an average of more than $9,894 annually by downsizing to one car.
Public transportation systems are a very important part of the economic health in their communities. In fact, a 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.
“At Coast RTA, we’re promoting APTA’s Annual Dump the Pump Day as an opportunity to thank our current passengers as well as to educate and welcome new passengers. It highlights the benefits that public transportation brings to individuals and communities,” said Coast RTA General Manager/CEO Brian Piascik. “We all win when we use public transportation.”
“Public transportation allows people to be productive contributors in the community when they cannot afford to own and or maintain a vehicle of their own,” states Melissa Bilka, Director of Human Resources, Brittain Resorts & Hotels. “It is vital to our business as many of our associates rely on it to get to and from work.”
WHAT: 13th Annual National Dump the Pump Day
WHERE: Coast RTA’s Conway Terminal, Myrtle Beach Transfer Center, Georgetown Transfer Center and transit agencies nationwide
WHEN: Thursday, June 21, 2018
Coast RTA’s Dump the Pump Activities.
Coast RTA’s participation in Dump the Pump includes inviting key community leaders to ride; distributing transit facts to passengers and residents through its transfer centers; providing “I support public transportation!” stickers to passengers; and, handing out Coast RTA coloring books to the younger riders. In addition, lucky passengers, who find aDump the Pump with Coast RTAflier under their seats, will win value passes(Value passes will range $3-$20 with one pass awarded per winner. Passes are not transferable nor redeemable for cash value.). Beginning, June 18, passengers also have an opportunity to register to win passes at the Myrtle Beach Transfer Center and the Conway Terminal for a $25 Value Pass. During the week leading up to June 21, Coast RTA will post select benefits of public transportation on its social media channels throughout the week.