Annual National Dump the Pump Day to Be Held
On Thursday, June 20, 2013
The Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) – DART First State announced today that it would join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the annual National Dump the Pump Day on June 20. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and in partnership with The Sierra Club and The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the 2013 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.
While America is still facing many challenges, including increasing gas costs, public transit is the easiest and quickest way to beat the high prices. People who use public transit keep helping to meet the challenges and that’s why DART is asking the public to Dump the Pump on June 20.
“In these tough economic times everyone is looking for a way to save more money and riding public transit can help accomplish that goal”, said Lauren Skiver, DTC Chief Executive Officer. “Dump the Pump Day is a great way to encourage the community to ride public transportation, instead of driving. We hope people who have never used DART before will decide to give transit a try.”
A two-person household can save, on the average, $10,000 yearly by taking public transit instead of driving and downsizing to one car. For every $1 invested in public transportation, $4 is generated in economic returns to the communities.
Public transportation reduces gas consumption by saving 4.2 billion gallons per year. And switching to public transportation can reduce an individual’s carbon emissions by 20 pounds per day or 4,800 pounds per year. Transit has a proven record of reducing traffic congestion and commute time.
As part of DART’s continuing efforts to invest in a bus fleet that is state-of-the-art, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly, the fleet now includes 30 hybrid electric-diesel buses. In addition, all new buses use the latest clean exhaust technologies, which reduce the emissions in the engine cylinders.
The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State. For information on all fixed route services statewide, please call 1-800-652-DART or visit www.DartFirstState.com.