Dump the Pump and Ride CapMetro on June 21

Nationwide effort encourages use of transportation alternatives

CapMetro and the city of Austin are participating in the 13th Annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 21. The slogan of this year's National Dump the Pump Day is “Dump the Pump. Ride Public Transit.”

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2018 National Dump the Pump Day is an initiative that encourages people to ride public transportation instead of driving a single-occupancy vehicle.

Started in June 2006 when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this day emphasizes that public transportation is a convenient travel option that also helps people save money.  According to APTA's June Transit Savings Report, a two-person household that downsizes to one car and takes public transportation saves an estimated average of $10,160 a year.

“Every day should be Dump the Pump Day,” said CapMetro President/CEO Randy Clarke. “There has never been a better time to try transit in this city. We recently launched several customer experience enhancements, including our summer pilot and Cap Remap, the biggest bus overhaul in our agency's history.”

In addition, CapMetro and the city of Austin are working together to encourage Austinites to consider more sustainable options for getting around town beyond Dump the Pump Day. Smart Trips Austin is a program that aims to increase trips taken by foot, bike, bus or shared vehicle.

To find more resources to improve and track your commutes in Central Texas, join Commute Solutions. Employers interested in providing their employees with mobility options can check out Movability Austin.