In response to rising gas prices, Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) announced today that it will participate in National Dump The Pump Day on June 8 to encourage residents of Monterey County to leave their vehicles at home and use public transit.
MST will join with other public transportation systems throughout the country to demonstrate that public transit offers the quickest, easiest alternative to the high cost of driving. National Dump The Pump Day is sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), a non-profit association of more than 1,600 member organizations, including almost 400 public transit agencies.
“With gasoline prices at record levels, many Americans are finding that mobility is becoming unaffordable,” said Carl Sedoryk, General Manager/CEO of MST. “Public transit is the quickest way to beat high gas prices.”
After housing, transportation is the second highest cost for American families, outpacing both food and health care costs. Since January 2003, gas prices have increased by 100 percent.
“By using Monterey-Salinas Transit on a regular basis, a person can save - at a minimum - over $6,000 per year in costs related to owning and operating a car,” said Sedoryk. “Those savings could be used for necessities such as food and medicine, help pay a student loan, or make the dream of a family vacation a reality,” he said.
As gasoline prices have increased, public transit systems across the United States are seeing an increase in ridership. “People use public transit more frequently when the cost of gas rises.” Said APTA President William Millar. “National Dump The Pump Day on June 8 will highlight that by using public transit, people can beat high gas prices, help reduce traffic congestion and assist our country in beating our oil addiction.” |
