AATA supports National
Dump the Pump Day on June 18

Take Public Transportation to Answer
America’s Biggest Challenge

ANN ARBOR, MI -- As America’s economic challenges continue, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority announced today that it will join with other public transportation systems nationwide in support of the fourth annual National Dump the Pump Day on June 18. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2009 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, protect the environment, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and improve our quality of life.

“America is facing a number of significant economic challenges right now,” said AATA Interim CEO Dawn Gabay. “People who use public transportation are helping to answer those challenges for themselves and for their country, so we’re asking you to join us and dump the pump on June 18.”

Individuals can achieve an average annual savings of more than $8,000 by taking public transportation instead of driving and by living with one less car. And for every $1 invested in public transportation infrastructure, $6 is generated in economic returns to communities.

“Public transportation also has an important role to play in the energy and environmental debate,” Gabay said. “If you leave your car behind to take public transportation, you will be helping to reduce America’s dependence on foreign energy and combat climate change.”

Public transportation saves 900,000 automobile fill-ups each day – 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline per year. And switching to public transportation can reduce individual carbon emissions by 20 pounds per day or 4,800 pounds per year.

“By participating in Dump the Pump Day, we hope people who have never used TheRide will decide to try public transportation instead of driving their car,” said Gabay. “We welcome new riders to try TheRide on National Dump the Pump Day, or any day they would like to save money and contribute to the well being of our planet and our community.”

Individuals who are interested in learning more about using AATA’s public transportation services can visit www.TheRide.org, or AATA’s booth at the Ann Arbor Green Fair from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 12.

APTA President William W. Millar adds, “With the economic downturn affecting everyone, now is the time to save money and ride public transportation. National Dump the Pump Day is an opportunity for people across the country to ease the strain on their wallets and provide a more secure future for America.”

The latest information on AATA routes, schedules and detours is available at 734.996.0400 and on the AATA Routes and Schedules page.