The 11th annual National ‘Dump the Pump Day’ on June 16th is a day to highlight using public transportation as a great alternative to driving that will help people save money.

“In Springfield, many workers drive ten to twenty miles to get to work and back home at the end of the day,” said SMTD Managing Director Frank Squires. “Calculators that include miles per gallon, distance traveled, trips per week and the cost of gasoline show possible annual savings of hundreds of dollars per driver to over one thousand dollars per driver even if you want to keep that second car.”

He added, “As healthcare costs, gasoline costs and the cost of other consumer goods rise, one very real way to save some money in the family budget is to take the bus to work. National ‘Dump The Pump Day’ is a great way to point out to many who may not use public transportation that it is an affordable, cost-saving option for them.”

Using public transportation is an economical way to beat high gas prices. According to the American Public Transportation Association’s most recent Transit Saving Report, a two-person household can save, on the average, more than $9,474 a year by downsizing to one car.
“SMTD buses are well-maintained, our drivers are well-trained, and you can forget about the stress of fighting traffic and congestion,” added Squires. “We encourage commuters to try out SMTD next week and to celebrate National ‘Dump The Pump Day’ with us by riding public transit.”

For bus routes and information, visit SMTD.org. While you’re there, check out SMTD’s new technology links to Google Transit and apps like Moovit, TripGo, Bing Maps, Yahoo Maps and Here, all of which now utilize SMTD routes and schedules data to help you plan your trips.

Other significant benefits to using public transportation are reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil by 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline a year and saving 37 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually. Last, but not least, public transportation has a proven track record of reducing congestion. The latest research shows that in 2011, U.S. public transportation use saved 865 million hours in travel time, 450 million gallons of fuel, and $21 billion in congestion costs in 498 urban areas.

Quick Facts

• In 2015, Americans took 10.6 billion trips on public transportation - the third highest in 10 years.
• Since 1995 public transit ridership is up 37 percent, outpacing population growth, which is up 21 percent, and vehicle miles traveled (VMT), which is up 30 percent.
• People board public transportation 36 million times each weekday.
• PUblic transportation is a $66 billion industry that employs more than 400,000 people.
• More than 6,800 organizations provide public transportation in the United States.

Public Transportation Provides Economic Opportunities & Drives Community Growth and Revitalization

• Public transportation offers individuals access to jobs.
• Nearly 60 percent of the trips taken on public transit are work commutes.
• Every $1 billion invested in public transportation supports and creates more than 50,000 jobs.
• Transportation is the back bone of the economy.
• Every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns.
• Every $10 million in operating investment yields $32 million in increased business sales.
• Residential property values performed 42 percent better on average if they were located near public transportation with high-frequency service.

Public Transportation Helps People Save Money

• According to APTA’s June Transit Saving Report, a two-person household can save, on the average, $9,474 a year by downsizing to one car.

• Public transportation provides an affordable, and for many, necessary, alternative to driving.

Public Transportation Saves Fuel and Reduces Congestion

• Public transportation has a proven record of reducing congestion.
• 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 in 498 urban areas.

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.

Public Transportation Enhances Personal Opportunities

• Public transportation provides personal mobility and freedom for people from every walk of life.
• Access to public transportation gives people transportation options to commute to work, go to school, visit friends, or travel to a doctor's office.
• Public transportation provides access to job opportunities for millions of Americans.