National “Dump the Pump” day is an opportunity for local riders to get to know their public transportation — and on Thursday, all rides are free.
Ken Barrows, manager of L-CAT, said this is the second annual national “Dump the Pump” day, but it is the first time Lyon County has participated.
“This year it is a big deal because of the price of gas,” Barrows said. “It’s affecting every one of us.”
The purpose of Dump the Pump is to raise awareness of public transportation. The American Public Transportation Association is sponsoring the event. According to their Web site, www.apta.com, each year public transportation use in the United States saves 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline, representing almost 4 million gallons of gasoline per day. That figure translates into 300,000 fewer automobile fill-ups every day.
“The 2007 National Dump the Pump Day is a public awareness day that emphasizes the environmental benefits of using public transportation,” said APTA President William W. Millar. “It is also a day for people across the country to make a difference as they conserve gasoline and help our environment.”
Barrows said he hopes the public will take advantage of the free bus rides on Thursday.
“I’m hoping people will leave their car home and take the (bus) that day,” he said.
L-CAT ridership is up more than 13 percent above 2006 for the first five months of 2007.
“We’re on track to have 40,000 riders (in 2007),” Barrows said. “That’s 5,000 more than we had last year.”
Barrows said there are many benefits to riding the bus.
“I use it to go to work some days,” he said. “I don’t have to worry. I just get on the bus and go to work.”
L-CAT has five buses in the fleet. Four of those buses run 10 hours a day and the fifth bus runs three hours, Barrows said. The route buses run from 6:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. and one other bus runs until 6:30 p.m.
“We average 90 people a day on the routes,” Barrows added.
For more information on the L-CAT and routes call 343-4207.
Tips for riders:
• If you see a bus along the route, just wave and the driver will stop.
• Arrive five minutes early to the bus stop.
• Be prepared to show your bus pass if you have one.
• Have exact change.
• Be prepared to show your ID if you want a reduced fare.
• If you need to depart the bus at a point other than a specific bus stop, notify the driver upon boarding the bus.
• Refrain from smoking, eating or drinking on the bus or in changeover areas.
• Only guide animals are allowed on the bus or in changeover areas.