As gas prices steadily creep and traffic becomes an unrelenting annoyance, the need for alternative methods of travel is pressing. Seeking to mitigate this necessity, the Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) is encouraging drivers to “Dump the Pump,” leaving their cars in the drive-way on Thursday.
MDT and their regional transit partners hope this initiative convinces residents and visitors of the mounting benefits that come with utilizing public transportation. Last year alone, transit riders took approximately 110 million trips to get around MDT services.
National Dump the Pump Day was started in 2006 when gas prices were nearly $3 per gallon. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Dump the Pump Day was spurred in an effort to highlight the economic benefits of public transportation. According to the latest APTA Transit Savings Report, a two-person household in Miami can save an average of $896 per month by utilizing transit instead of driving and downsizing to one vehicle.
South Florida residents can enter to win a 1-Month pass on MDT, Broward County Transit, Tri-Rail or Palm Tran by visiting online or by call South Florida Commuter Services at 1800-234-RIDE and pledging to use transit instead of their cars on Thursday.
Trip planning for Dump the Pump Day is available on the MDT site or by calling 305-891-3131, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Save some bucks; dump the pump.
