Contact: Kristi G. Peña

Office: 361-289-2712 x3493

THIRD ANNUAL NATIONAL DUMP THE PUMP TO BE HELD ON JUNE 19th

Take Public Transportation to Save Money and Save the Planet

(Corpus Christi, Texas, June 4, 2008) - With high gas prices on everyone’s mind, the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority announced today that it will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the third annual national Dump the Pump Day on June 19.   Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2008 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, conserve gasoline, and help reduce greenhouse gases.

“Using public transportation is the quickest way to beat high gas prices,” said Kristi Peña, Public Affairs staffer.  “If gas prices are too high for you, then “dump the pump” and take a bus or a trolley on June 19.”

Households with two workers and one car that use public transportation save approximately $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,” said Ricardo Sánchez, General Manager of the RTA.  “If you leave your car behind to take public transportation, you will be helping to combat climate change.”

According to a new study prepared by ICF International and titled Broadening the Connection between Public Transportation and Energy Conservation, public transportation reduces our nation’s carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons annually – equivalent to the electricity used by 4.9 million households.

“By participating in the third annual national Dump the Pump Day, we hope people who have never used the “B” will decide to give us a try instead of driving their car,” said Kristi Peña, Interim Customer Programs / Communications Manager.  “We will welcome new riders and thank our regular riders as we offer special services and benefits not only on National Dump the Pump Day, but throughout the month of June to include:

• Presentations from June 9, 2008 through June 27, 2008 targeting teens and young children on the benefits of public transportations and a walkthrough session on how to ride the “B”. For details of this program call the Customer Programs Department at 361-289-2712.

• Proclamation by Mayor Henry Garrett, June17, 2008 at 11:30a.m., City Hall declaring June 19 as “Dump the Pump” day in Corpus Christi.

• For one day on June 19, 2008 the RTA will suspend fares system wide in order to encourage non-riders to leave their car behind and try public transit.

“With gas prices higher than ever and financial concerns affecting everyone, now is the time to save money and ride public transportation,” said APTA President William W. Millar. “The National Dump the Pump Day on June 19 is an opportunity for people across the country to make a difference in their wallet, as well as in the environment.”  For additional information on activities and programs within the RTA please call us at 361-289-2712 or visit us online at www.ccrta.org.