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 News & Updates | Newsroom News & Updates: Newsroom RTA news June
18, 2009 Be a Hero for a Day Transit
authorities across the country encourage
commuters to ‘dump the pump’ CLEVELAND -- If you rode public
transit once a week, you would reduce your carbon footprint and the amount you
spend on gas by 20 percent. This
is the type of simple but compelling message the Greater Cleveland Regional
Transit Authorities (RTA) and other transit authorities across the country are
conveying to commuters as part of the fourth annual National Dump the Pump Day,
today, Thursday, June 18. The
goal is to get as many work-trip commuters as possible to make the switch from
driving to riding by jumping on a train or bus. Everyone who does is a hero for
the day by helping solve the economic, energy, and environmental problems in
the world today. RTA
General Manager Joe Calabrese is using the national event to challenge not only
commuters, but also business and civic leaders, to make the region’s
environment and economy healthier. “Clevelanders
spend more than 20 percent of their income to get to work,” says Calabrese.
“This reduces the amount of discretionary dollars for other things, which is
particularly hard during these tough economic times. From an air quality
standpoint, fewer cars on the road will lower Northeast Ohio’s ground-level
ozone emissions. With the support of local CEOs and elected officials, more and
more commuters will explore alternatives to driving.” Several
non-traditional communications tactics will be used by RTA to reach out to
Northeast Ohio commuters on June 18. They include:
Timing for the National Dump the Pump Day couldn’t be better, as gas prices are
again on the rise. ·
California became the first state to see gas
prices top $3 a gallon since October, according to a daily survey of gas
prices. ·
The national average price for a gallon of gas
rose 0.6 cents Monday to $2.669, according to motorist group AAA. Prices have
been steadily climbing higher since April 29, and are up 63 percent from the
start of the year. Individuals can save more than $8,000 annually by
taking public transportation instead of driving and living with one less car.
And for every $1 invested in public transportation infrastructure, $6 is
generated in economic returns to the community. “With
the economic downturn affecting everyone, now is the time to save money and
ride public transportation,” says American
Public Transportation Association President William Millar. “The National
Dump the Pump Day is an opportunity for people across the country to ease the
strain on their wallets and provide a more secure future for America.” About RTA RTA
is the nation’s 13th largest public-transit system, serving more
than 45 percent of all public-transit riders in Ohio. Its 2,577 employees operate
108 rail cars on 34 miles of track and 624 buses on 1,606 route miles. FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY:
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