WORCESTER, MA. June 16, 2008 — With high gas prices on everyone’s mind, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) 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 WRTA Administrator Stephen O’Neil. “If gas prices are too high for you, then ‘dump the pump’ and take a bus on June 19. On this day only, the WRTA is offering free transfers for all passengers who use its fixed route bus service. In addition, by mailing in the unused transfer to the WRTA’s office at 287 Grove Street with the rider’s name, address and phone number written on the back, patrons will be entered into a drawing for three, 31-day all zone passes. Even those riders who use monthly passes not normally eligible for transfers, will be issued a transfer by the WRTA’s operators on request on June 19 only, to be eligible for the drawing.”

Studies show 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,” O’Neil said. “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 WRTA will decide to give us a try instead of driving their car,” O’Neil continued.

“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.”