On Thursday, June 16, the Topeka Metro transit system will be participating with numerous other transit providers in the United States for the 16th Annual National Dump the Pump Day. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the National Dump the Pump Day is an opportunity to highlight public transit and to encourage people to ride the bus rather than drive their car. This could be especially significant in these times of rising fuel prices and inflation.
Gas prices in America are averaging over $5.00 per gallon nationally, while local Topeka stations fall in the $4.50 – $4.70 range currently.
Topeka Metro General Manager Bob Nugent said, “With prices continuing to rise we are all looking for ways to reduce how much we are spending on fuel and transportation costs. Dump the Pump Day is an ideal way to draw attention to riding the bus and the potential savings in our transportation costs. Whether you ride once a week or once a day, the savings can really add up.”
Commuters can commemorate the day by riding public transport, just like APTA’s slogan for the day goes, “Dump the Pump. Ride Transit.”
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According to the APTA Transit Savings Report, individuals in a two-person household can save an average of more than $10,160 annually by downsizing to one car and using public transit instead. Some quick facts about public transit from APTA:
- Every $1 invested in public transportation generates $5 in economic returns.
- Every $10 million in operating investment yields $32 million in increased business sales.
- Home values were up to 24% higher near public transportation than in other areas.
- Millennials consider public transportation as the best option for digital socializing and among the best for connecting with their communities.
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More information is available on Topeka Metro’s website at www.topekametro.org, including bus routes and fare pricing. For questions, call Topeka Metro customer service at 785-783-7000.
–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice
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