The 8th annual National Dump the Pump Day is today, June 20 — a day to encourage people to ride public transportation (instead of driving) and save money in the process.
Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus encourages residents to use forms of public transit as a great alternative to driving that will help save money, go green, and help reduce congestion.
According to American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) most recent Transit Saving Report, a two-person household can save, on the average, more than $9,700 a year by downsizing to one car.
By commuting to work, school, the doctor’s office, to go shopping, and to visit with family and friends, you help save 37 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
Additionally, riding public transportation also has the added benefit of reducing congestion.
The latest research shows that in 2011, U.S. public transportation use saved 796 million hours in travel time, 450 million gallons of fuel, and $21 billion in congestion costs in 498 urban areas.
Quick Facts
— In 2012, Americans took 10.5 billion trips on public transportation.
— 35 million times each weekday, people board public transportation.
— Public transportation is a $57 billion industry that employs more than 400,000 people.
— More than 7,300 organizations provide public transportation in the United States.
Public Transportation Helps People Save Money
— According to APTA’s Transit Saving Report, a two-person household can save, on the average, more than $9,700 a year by downsizing to one car.
— Public transportation provides an affordable alternative to driving.
Public Transportation Reduces Carbon Footprint
— Public transportation use in the US reduces our nation’s carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons annually. This is equivalent to Washington, DC; New York City; Atlanta; Denver; and Los Angeles combined stopping their use of electricity.
— One person with a 20-mile round trip commute who switches from driving to public transit can reduce his or her daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds, or more than 4,800 pounds in a year.
Public Transportation Reduces Congestion and Saves Fuel
— The latest research shows that in 2011, U.S. public transportation use saved 865 million hours in travel time and 450 million gallons of fuel in 498 urban areas.
— Without public transportation, congestion costs in 2011 would have risen by nearly $21 billion from $121 billion to $142 billion.
— A single commuter switching commute to public transportation can reduce a household’s carbon emissions by 10 percent and up to 30 percent if he or she eliminates a second car.
Public Transportation Reduces Gasoline Consumption
— Public transportation use in the United States saves 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually.
— Households near public transit drive an average of 4,400 fewer miles than households with no access to public transit.
