encourages use of public transit to help improve air quality
RIVERSIDE, CA — June 12, 2007 — The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) announced today that it will participate in National Dump the Pump Day on June 21 to encourage Inland residents to ride public transit to help improve the environment and conserve gasoline.
Hoping to bring more awareness of public transit’s role in improving air quality, RTA will issue public service announcements, display special messages on its website and buses, and hand out Dump the Pump stickers to passengers.
“Participation in National Dump the Pump Day means we will be reaching out to new riders and thanking current riders for using public transit,” said RTA Chairman of the Board Frank Hall. “Inland residents can make a difference by riding public transportation on June 21 and encouraging their friends to do so, too.”
RTA has a history of doing its part to help reduce air pollution. In 2001, the Agency replaced its entire fleet of diesel buses with cleaner-burning compressed natural gas. The Agency’s two compressed natural gas fueling stations in Riverside and Hemet are available to other public agencies and transit systems. In an effort to take vehicles and their harmful emissions off Inland roads, RTA recently launched a program to allow UC Riverside students to ride for free. And last month, the Agency expanded its trolley service in downtown Riverside to help reduce dependency on the personal automobile.
In addition to saving the environment, Dump the Pump Day also provides Inland residents with the opportunity to save gas money. This spring, many RTA passengers said record-high gas prices prompted them to make the switch to public transit. The switch has contributed to a systemwide ridership boost of nearly eight percent compared to this time last year.
Nationwide, public transit helps reduce smog-forming pollutants and greenhouse gases. Public transit generates nearly 50 percent less carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide per passenger mile as private vehicles, according to the American Public Transportation Association.
Said APTA President William Millar, “The 2007 National Dump the Pump Day is a public awareness day that emphasizes the environmental benefits of using public transportation. It is also a day for people across the country to make a difference as they conserve gasoline and help our environment.”
The Riverside Transit Agency provides public transportation for Western Riverside County, operating 39 fi xed routes, 5 commuter routes and 15 demand response services. RTA’s service area spans 2,500 square miles, the second-largest in the nation. For bus route and schedule information contact RTA at (800) 800-7821 or log on to our Web site at www.RiversideTransit.com. |
