Jun 19, 2008 10:35 pm US/Eastern
Thousands "Dump The Pump" To Save $$ & The Planet
Cash & Prizes Offered As Incentives
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
Tired of paying skyrocketing prices when they fill up at the gas station, thousands of South Floridians are letting the county do the driving as they take part in the National Dump the Pump day.
Thursday, Broward County Transit, Miami-Dade Transit, Palm Tran, South Florida Commuter Services and Tri-Rail have teamed up with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the third annual
National Dump the Pump Day.
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2008 National Dump the Pump Day encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, conserve gasoline, and help reduce greenhouse gases.
"Using public transportation is one of the best alternatives to beat high gas prices," said Bruno Barreiro, chair of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA). "If gas prices are too high for you, then "dump the pump" and take a bus or a train on June 19."
It has been reported that households with two workers and one car that use public transportation save $6,200 every year, compared to a household with no access to public transportation.
"Public transportation also has an important role to play in helping to reduce greenhouse gases," added Barreiro. "If you leave your car behind to take public transportation, you will be helping to combat climate change."
As part of South Florida's Dump the Pump campaign, participants received a scratch-off card to be eligible for the chance to win $1,000 cash, a 3 day-2 night Hawks Cay Resort getaway for two in the Florida Keys, tickets to Universal Studios Orlando, Dunkin Donuts' gift cards, transit passes and more. The scratch-off cards were distributed during the morning of June 19, only at select bus and train stations while supplies lasted.
"We're trying to send a strong message to the community," said Belinda Clark with the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, "dump the pump and help save out community and reduce green house gases."
It's a message John O'Malley said sunk in a few months ago.
"I dumped it a while ago, about 4 months ago," said O'Malley. "I save about $10 a day in gas taking the train."
For commuters like Debbie Thomas 'dumping the pump' just makes sense.
"I don't drive my truck anymore because gas is so high," said Thomas, "the gas is too high."
Commuter Michelle Phelan says she's noticed a definite increase in the last couple of months of people using mass transit.
"Most definitely," said Phelan, "a big increase of people. It works for me because you've got the gas prices, but then there's parking in downtown Miami which is ridiculous."
To plan your trip in support of National Dump the Pump Day or to learn more about all commuter options, call 1-800-234-RIDE or visit
www.1800234RIDE.com.
Not sure how to get 'from here to there',
Click here to plan your trip with the help from the South Florida Regional Transit Trip Planner.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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