The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is sponsoring the 2008 National Dump the Pump Day, a public awareness day that emphasizes public transportation as the quickest way to beat high gas prices and encourages people to ride a bus or train instead of driving a car.

On June 19, people across the country will “dump the pump” and ride public transportation on the Third Annual Dump the Pump Day. This national day also highlights public transportation as an important travel option that helps combat climate change.

More than 100 public transportation systems are participating in “dump the pump” activities this year.

Some public transit systems are having public events with drawings for free transit passes and other prizes, while other systems are offering free or reduced rides, doing radio promotions, and providing “transit ambassadors” to help new riders.