Trolley Officals: Dump The Pump And Ride Free
Fourth Annual National “Dump the Pump Day” Thursday, June 18
June 10, 2009
Panama City, Fla. – Bay Town Trolley, along with transportation systems across the nation, is joining forces with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for the Fourth Annual “Dump the Pump” Day. Offering free rides to everyone who boards Thursday June 18, 2009, trolley officials encourage people to “Dump the Pump” and ride the trolley.
“Dump the Pump is an annual event that promotes public transportation as a cost-saving, fuel conserving and environmentally friendly option,” said Beth Coulliette, Bay Town Trolley’s Executive Director. “What better way to encourage people to try the trolley’s routes and services than let them ride free.”
One of APTA’s primary focus in this year’s Dump the Pump promotion is the economic benefit associated with transit. They have reported that the average consumer can save approximately $8,000 a year just by taking public transportation.
“With the economic downturn affecting everyone, now is the time to save money and ride public transportation,” said William W. Millar, APTA’s President. “The National Dump the Pump Day on June 18, is an opportunity for people across the country to ease the strain on their wallets and provide a more secure future for America.”
In Bay County, Dump the Pump comes at a time when ridership has increased 67 percent and several enhancements have been made to the trolley’s routes and services. Now operating six days a week, 14 hours a day, trolley officials have increased frequencies on the beach and downtown routes to accommodate the high demand.
“This year Dump the Pump will be equally beneficial to our current riders who can try our recently revamped routes, like the beach route,” said Coulliette. “We are really excited to welcome new faces onboard next Thursday while also showing appreciation to our faithful riders.”
Before taking advantage of the free rides next Thursday, riders should visit BayTownTrolley.org to see updated route maps and service times.
For the past 13 years Bay Town Trolley has provided public transportation services to Bay County with the mission of moving riders of Bay County with clean, safe, efficient and dependable transportation while enhancing the quality of life and meeting the growing needs of the community. The system operates Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. For information on all routes, fares, Ride On Commuter Services and other news and updates log on to BayTownTrolley.org.
