From Eyewitness TV12 NEWS:
Dump the Pump Today June 21, 2007 10:15 AM CDT by Robert Marin Today you'll get a chance
to save some money on gas by catching a free ride on the bus.
"Dump the Pump" day is an effort of improve the environment and conserve gas.
According to the city of Wichita public transportation produces nearly 50 percent less
carbon dioxide per passenger per mile than private cars. The Reno County Area Transit is
also offering free rides. To check out Wichita bus routes, click on the links on the left side
of the page.
Dump the Pump Thursday From the Hutchinson News
By Mary Clarkin, The Hutchinson News , Reno County will participate in a nationwide campaign
Thursday to cajole people to ride public transportation.
The second annual Dump the Pump day, sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association,
won't rely on high prices at the gas pump to find new riders. Public transportation in Austin, Texas, is offering a
Dump the Pump drawing with a $500 shopping spree as the prize.
In Reno County, a television will be among prizes in a drawing. Also, hotdogs and soda pop will be served
during an open house, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
at the bus transfer station, 3rd and Main. Other giveaways in
conjunction with Dump the Pump in Reno County
will include stickers and T-shirts to promote the event -
and free rides Thursday on Reno County Area
Transit buses and vans. About seven years ago, Reno County established its fixed-route bus service
in the Hutchinson-South Hutchinson area. Rcat also provides transportation service to and from the county's
smaller communities and Hutchinson. Statistics compiled from January through May 2007 showed that people
with disabilities took about half of the service's trips. Total number of unlinked trips - where
transfers are counted as separate trips - amounted to 12,932 in May 2007. That was down from May 2006,
and reflected a decline in 2007, compared to the same period in 2006. Standard fare for an adult riding an
Rcat bus in the Hutchinson area is 80 cents. The adult fare for transportation in the county is $4, and
the fare for a deviated route in the county is $8. Free Rcat rides Thursday Hours of operation: 6 a.m.
to 7 p.m. Catching a fixed-route bus: Hutchinson/South Hutchinson route buses arrive at the transfer station,
3rd and Main in Hutchinson, at the top of each hour. Buses also can be boarded at scheduled stops
on the route or they can be flagged down and boarded. To stop a bus, stand near an intersection
and raise your hand. Other services: Rcat provides a deviated route service, allowing pickup or drop off
at a location off the fixed route. Another service provides rides between the county's smaller communities
and Hutchinson. For these services, the rider should make a 24-hour advance reservation by calling 694-2913
or (888) 458-2911. The TTY number is 694-2912.
Online: Find a map showing routes
at www.RcatGoingYourWay.com.
From Topeka TV49 News
National Dump the Pump Day brings
free bus rides
9:36 p.m. Monday, June 18, 2007
As gas prices continue to climb across the country,
the City of Topeka is joining a nationwide campaign to promote public transportation.
This Thursday, the Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority will offer free rides for National Dump
the Pump Day.
On June 21, the agency will have unlimited free fares on all fixed route buses.
The fixed route service starts at 5:45 in the morning.
And it ends at 5:45 in the evening. To check out bus routes and schedules, log onto
Topeka Capital-Journal
Folks of all kind take part in
'Dump the Pump' day
By James Carlson, The (Topeka) Capital-Journal
Published Friday, June 22, 2007 Bus driver Henry Moore has seen a lot of riders in his more than
10 years on the job, and he saw a few more than usual Thursday during the Topeka Metropolitan Transit
Authority's free ride day. Moore has seen oddballs and characters, loners and pleasant personalities.
"Everybody's got their own story," he said. Okcha Coffelt was writing the first chapter of her story on
bus route No. 7 en route to Wal-Mart just past 9 a.m. Coffelt, from Korea, has been in Kansas for years
but had never ridden a Topeka bus until Thursday. Such a novice to the system, she had to ask a fellow
passenger how to use the wire that notifies the driver of a desired stop. "Today I try," she said of her
adventure. Far from a bus virgin, Beverly Schoonover has been riding for more than 40 years and knows
nearly all of the drivers. "Watch him, he's a bit ornery," she said, pointing to Moore. The driver perked up.
"Are you saying bad things about me?" Moore yelled over his shoulder. Schoonover snickered.
"I like to pick on him," she said. Many riders mentioned saving money and the convenience of not driving,
but they most often talked of the camaraderie that develops. "I just enjoy that moment of chatter with others,
the fun of the ride," said Jack Alexander, the Kansas fire marshal, who rides two to three times each week.
The TMTA hoped for 7,000 riders on Thursday, about 1,000 more than a usual day, said Nancy Johnson,
director of marketing. The free rides on "Dump the Pump" day were part of a national campaign to promote
public transportation in the face of higher gas prices. Back on the road, Moore steered the big bear along
S.W. Huntoon. People got on. People got off. The bus rumbled on toward downtown. "Oakley," Moore
called over the intercom. Even with no one on board, he calls out the streets. "MacVicar, Washburn, Lane,"
he continued. "We do that for the blind," he added. Another rider, Don Johnson, donning sunglasses and
sporting a blond beard down to his big belly, dispensed wisdom from his seat as if a mixture of a sage guru
and guitarist for ZZ Top. Confronted with the idea of a car offering independence, he waved it off as a fallacy.
"Those seeking independence spend their life in denial," the 65-year-old said. "No one's in control."
Johnson joked that Kansas "got smart and wouldn't let the old fart drive anymore," referring to himself.
While he may not be in control, he is certainly prepared for more than just bus travel. In a small leather pouch,
Johnson carried two passports - one from the United States, the other from Israel. He said as a citizen of a
nation at war, Israel, he should carry multiple forms of identification. There were much lighter ideas running
through Alea Hays' mind, such as enjoying her first ride on a city bus. "It was fun," the 10-year-old said
simply enough. Alea's mom, Lynda, said they were taking advantage of the free fares to go see
Grandma in Highland Park. "It's just nice they offer this," Lynda said. "It got us out here."
NEWS RELEASE City of Lawrence, KS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, June 14, 2007
Contact: Cliff Galante, Public Transit Administrator, 832-3464
Lawrence is invited to "Dump the Pump" and ride the "T" free
(Lawrence, KS) - Lawrence Transit System will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the
second annual National Dump the Pump Day on June 21. As a way
to increase awareness about the benefits of public transportation
and encourage more transit use in our community, the day will
be designated as a free ridership day. Fares will be waived on all
"T" fixed routes. Past free ridership days have yielded record numbers of people taking the "T". On June 8, 2006, a ridership
high of 2,038 fixed-route passengers was set for the first Dump
the Pump Day. That number was topped again during a free ridership
day for the Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale, when 2,040 people
rode on July 20, 2006.
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA),National Dump the Pump Day encourages people to ride public
transportation to help improve the environment and to conserve
gasoline. "Public transportation plays a vital role in our
community," said Cliff Galante, Public Transit Administrator.
"On June 21, people can see for themselves by riding public
transportation and encouraging their friends and family to do so,
too. Whether you want to save gas for environmental
or economical reasons, the "T" is a great option."
U.S. public transportation use saves 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline per year - the equivalent of 108 million cars filling
up in a year, according to APTA. Public transit also helps to
create a healthier environment by reducing smog-producing
pollutants and greenhouses gases. Public transportation produces
nearly 50 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide
(NOx), per passenger mile, than private vehicles.
First time riders will find that transit drivers are an excellent
resource for information. Drivers can help with transfers and
explanation of timing points. For assistance withtrip planning call 312-7054 or visit www.lawrencetransit.org
<ttp://www.lawrencetransit.org/> to see a route map and timetable.
Office of the Mayor
Proclamation
Lawrence, Kansas
WHEREAS: June 21, 2007 marks the second annual National Dump the Pump Day
to raise public awareness about public transportation by encouraging people to ride public
transit instead of driving their cars; and
WHEREAS: By using public transportation, people can beat high gas prices and
help improve the environment; and
WHEREAS: U.S public transportation use saves 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline per year-the
equivalent of 108 million cars filling up in a year; and
WHEREAS: Lawrence Transit System will participate in Dump the Pump Day by
offering free rides on June 21; and
WHEREAS: The "T" provides safe, reliable, and convenient transportation around
the Lawrence community;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sue Hack, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas,
do hereby proclaim June 21, 2007 to be
"DUMP THE PUMP DAY"
and encourage all Lawrence citizens to ride the "T" on June 21, 2007.
Sue Hack, Mayor
June 19, 2007
Gear Up for National "Dump the Pump" Day June 21
KCATA Wants More People on Metro Buses, "Not addicted to oil?" Prove it.
Send a message to Mr. Big Oil Co., On June 21, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
(KCATA) will challenge people to join thousands of Kansas Citians to "Dump the Pump" for the second annual
"Dump the Pump" Day. This transit initiative spearheaded by the American Public Transportation
Association pro motes riding buses to conserve gasoline and help improve the environment.
With another year of record high gas prices, you can help make a difference by riding public transportation
and encouraging others to do so, too. Leave the car at home and ride The Metro. Plus, get ready to
participate in these exciting activities leading up to "Dump the Pump" Day.
Celebrate "Dump the Pump" Day
Public Event Thursday, June 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Washington Square Park Featuring: Elected Officials (Invited)
"Dump the Pump and Win!" Participants will try to toss a "gas can" in a barrel and win prizes donated by area businesses.
Story Bus Customers will have an opportunity to share unique and interesting experiences using Metro service.
Live radio remote, ice cream and bring your lunch for all the fun!
Onboard Metro buses
Be sure to get a Riders' Digest for a chance to win some fabulous prizes. Entries due June 21.
Get a sticker. Make a statement on June 21: "Not Addicted to Oil!" June 11 through 20,
listen for radio commercials on your favorite station encouraging drivers to become riders
on "Dump the Pump" Day
On June 21, public transportation agencies from coast to coast will join together to ask