June 15, 2017: RTA celebrates annual 'Dump the Pump' Day

Although gas prices remain low, public transit continues to be a bargain. That's why RTA will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the annual National Dump the Pump Day on June 15.

 June 15, 2017: RTA celebrates annual 'Dump the Pump' Day

May 16, 2017

CLEVELAND – Although gas prices remain low, public transit continues to be a bargain.

That's why the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the 12th annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 15.

However, RTA is going the extra mile and declaring June National Dump the Pump Month. The slogan this year is “Dump the Pump. Ride Public Transit.”

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), National Dump the Pump Day encourages people to ride public transportation and to take them where they need to go, instead of driving a car. 

Started in June 2006 when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this national day emphasizes that public transportation is a convenient travel option that also helps people save money. According to the April APTA Transit Savings Report, persons in a two-person household can save an average of more than $9,312 annually by downsizing to one car.  

APTA studies suggest that every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns, powering community growth and revitalization.

RTA is hosting a number of events and activities throughout the summer to encourage current customers and new riders to Dump the Pump, and use public transportation, said RTA CEO and General Manager Joe Calabrese.

“Many people take to the road in the summer,” he said, “and RTA’s convenient transportation options allows Greater Clevelander’s to take advantage of the many activities right here on our North Coast.”

RTA scheduled a busload full of events to raise transit awareness, Calabrese said.

At many of these events, RTA's "street team" of six energetic college students will lead interactive games and distribute transit-related prizes.

RTA co-sponsors these major attractions

Wade Oval Wednesdays (WOW) -- From 6-9 p.m., more than 5,000 attend this event in the middle of Cleveland's famed cultural district, with live music, family games, food, and sometimes a movie.

Edgewater Live -- From 5:30-9 p.m. on Thursdays, live music, sun, sand and food trucks attract up to 10,000 people to a major beach just west of Downtown Cleveland.

Indians baseball -- Whenever the Tribe has a home game on a Friday or Saturday, RTA sponors a pre-game concert in a special area of the stands.

Parade the Circle -- Held June 10, hundreds of families are treated to colorful creations, dancing and a parade.

Flats East Bank – RTA now offers the free C-Line Trolley to the Flats East Bank locations from 7-11 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Restaurants, bars and summer fun draw thousands to the many new venues along the east bank of the Cuyahoga River. RTA’s free trolley makes it easier to get you there, and avoid the hassles and expense of downtown parking.

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