HART INVITES YOU TO “DUMP THE PUMP” ON JUNE 21st
Transit Plays Key Role in Helping the Environment and Conserving Gasoline
June 14, 2007 - Tampa, Florida – With environmental concerns and the high cost of gas on everyone’s mind, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the Second Annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 21. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2007 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation to help improve the environment and to save on gasoline.
“Public transportation plays a vital role in our community by helping people save money, and in improving our environment,” said HART Interim Executive Director Steve Roberts. “On June 21, people can make a difference by riding public transportation and encouraging their friends and family to do so, too.”
Based on the IRS business mileage allowance of 48.5 cents per mile, a commute of only 10 miles would cost $4.85 each way, or nearly $10 round-trip. Compared to $1.50 local fare each way, or $2.50 for Commuer Express, taking transit instead of driving could save that 10-mile commuter almost $7 a day.
“We will also be highlighting our environmentally-friendly hybrid buses and letting the public know that HART is leading the way in conserving fuel by using energy-efficient and alternative fueled buses and staff cars,” said Mr. Roberts.
Earlier this year a report by ICF International, “Public Transportation and Petroleum Savings in the U.S.: Reducing Dependence on Oil,” stated that the U.S. public transportation systems save 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline every year, the equivalent of 108 million cars filling up in a year.
“The 2007 National Dump the Pump Day is a public awareness day that emphasizes the 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.
HART set an annual ridership record with more than 10 million rides in 2006, and is poised to break it in 2007 by exceeding 11 million rides before the end of the fiscal year in September. Part of the increase is attributed to a growth of 34% in HART’s Commuter Express services.
Everyone who joins HART’s effort to “Dump the Pump” will also get their own personal fashion statement – a sticker they can wear during the day to proudly declare they chose to try transit.
The mission of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority is to provide public transportation services which are safe, dependable and cost-effective, thereby enhancing the quality of life in our community.
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