BALTIMORE, MD (June 12, 2008) – With gas prices on everyone’s mind, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) announced today that it will join with other transportation systems nationwide to participate in the third annual national Dump the Pump Day on June 19. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association, 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 Paul J. Wiedefeld, MTA Administrator. “If gas prices are too high for you, then dump the pump” and take a bus or a train on June 19. Our buses are equipped with bicycle racks and our new GoogleTransitTM makes planning your trip even easier.” 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,” said Wiedefeld. “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 the 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 participation in the third annual national Dump the Pump Day, we hope people who have never used MTA services will decide to give us a try instead of driving their car,” said Wiedefeld. “We welcome new riders and thank our regular riders for continuing to choose MTA.”
For more information on MTA schedules, fares and other services, visit www.mtamaryland.com or call
(410-539-5000 or 1-866-RIDE-MTA (743-3682) TTY 410-539-3497.
Media Contacts:
Jawauna Greene
Office: 410-767-3936
Cellular: 443-392-2983
Cheron Victoria Wicker
Office: 410-767-3936
Cellular: 443-386-8605 |
