June 8, 2009
Michelle Coats, APR
Community Information Specialist
Dump the Pump Day June 18 encourages residents to
try public transportation
Votran is joining forces with other public transportation
systems nationwide to participate in the 4th annual National Dump the Pump
Day June 18. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA),
the 2009 National Dump the Pump Day encourages people to ride public
transportation to save money, protect the environment, reduce America’s
dependence on foreign oil, and improve our quality of life. The country’s
continued economic challenges also are a factor when considering public
transportation.
“America is facing a number of significant economic
challenges right now,” said Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno. “People that
use public transportation are helping to answer those challenges for
themselves and for their country. That’s why we’re asking people to join us
and dump the pump June 18.” You also can participate by walking, riding your
bike or carpooling with a friend.
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.
“With the economic downturn affecting everyone, now is the
time to save money and ride public transportation,” said APTA President
William W. Millar. “The National Dump the Pump Day June 18 is an opportunity
for people across the country to ease the strain on their wallets and
provide a more secure future for America.”
“Public transportation also has an important role to play
in the energy and environmental debate,” said Ken Fischer, interim Votran
general manager. “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. Switching to public
transportation can reduce individual carbon emissions by 20 pounds per day
or 4,800 pounds per year. Public transportation systems in the U.S. help to
create a healthier environment by reducing smog-producing pollutants and
greenhouses gases. When compared to private vehicles, public transportation
produces nearly 50 percent less carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide per
passenger mile.
“By participating in Dump the Pump Day, we hope people who
have never used Votran will decide to give us a try instead of driving their
car,” said Fischer. “It is a public awareness day that emphasizes the
environmental benefits of using public transportation.”
To learn about Votran service in your area, call (386)
761-7700 in the greater Daytona Beach area, (386) 424-6820 in Southeast
Volusia, or (386) 943-7033 in West Volusia.
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