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Tulsa Transit Joins Transit Agencies Nationwide in National Dump the Pump Day on June 8

In response to rising gas prices, Tulsa Transit announced today that it will participate in National Dump the Pump Day on June 8 to encourage residents to leave their vehicles at home and use public transit.

Tulsa Transit will join with other public transportation systems throughout the country to demonstrate that public transit offers the quickest, easiest alternative to the high cost of driving. National Dump the Pump Day is sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), a non-profit association of more than 1,600 member organizations, including almost 400 public transit agencies.

“With gasoline prices at record levels, many Americans are finding that mobility is becoming unaffordable,” said Tulsa Transit General Manager Bill Cartwright. “Public transit is the best way to beat high gas prices.”

Tulsa Transit encourages first-time users who are unfamiliar with public transportation in our area to call 582-2100 and let customer service help plan your commute on the bus.

After housing, transportation is the second highest cost for American families, outpacing both food and health care costs. Since January 2003, gas prices have increased by 100 percent.

“By using public transportation on a regular basis, a person can save thousands in vehicle and fuel costs per year,” said Cartwright. “Those savings could be used for necessities such as food and medicine, help pay a student loan, or make the dream of a family vacation a reality,” he said.

As gasoline prices have increased, public transit systems across the United States are seeing an increase in ridership. “People use public transit more frequently when the cost of gas rises,” said APTA President William Millar. “National Dump the Pump Day on June 8 will highlight that by using public transit, people can beat high gas prices, help reduce traffic congestion and assist our country in beating our oil addiction.”

In Tulsa, bus ridership has increased nearly 30% over the past year due to the gas prices. Express route park-and-ride usage has increased 100% in the same period. “People are definitely looking for alternatives to paying the high gas prices; and many of them are now saving a lot of money by riding Tulsa Transit.”

To learn more about Tulsa Transit’s services, log on to www.tulsatransit.org or call 582-2100

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