U.S. DOT urges nation to 'Dump the Pump'

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff are encouraging Americans to leave their cars at home and try transit on national Dump the Pump Day, Thursday, June 16.

June 16 marks the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA) sixth annual National Dump the Pump Day. The purpose is to highlight public transportation as an effective alternative to driving that will help people save money, especially with the unpredictable costs of gas.

"The Obama Administration is committed to reducing our nation's dependence on foreign oil and using public transit can help get us there," Secretary LaHood said. "I hope that the drivers who 'Dump the Pump' for a day will discover an economical, comfortable, stress-free option for getting around that they hadn't considered before."

According to APTA's most recent Transit Saving Report, a two-person family could save, on the average, more than $10,000 a year by downsizing to one car.

"Where it's available, transit is the most efficient way to save fuel, improve the environment and keep money in your pocket," said Administrator Rogoff. "We're asking Americans to explore their transportation options tomorrow and to take a day off from feeling that burdensome pain of sky-high prices at the pump."