Photo: Widson Charlemont
The 10th annual National Dump the Pump Day is today.
StarMetro in Tallahassee is giving drivers an opportunity to park their cars and ride the bus for free all day.
In an effort to promote a green and healthy lifestyle, there was a celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the C.K. Steele Plaza.
Participants at the celebration were encouraged to live healthier lifestyles.
Cold water and fresh fruit was served for participants, while enjoying the music and learning about Dump the Pump.
Volunteers explained that riding the bus causes people to live safer and healthier lives without noticing.
They must walk to and from the bus stop, which encourages physical activity. From the environmental standpoint, there are less CO2 emissions whenever there are fewer cars on the road.
Charles Main, a planner at StarMetro was impressed with the event and explained what was being promoted.
“It’s been a success, we brought in fruit for everyone because really today is all about promoting health, with Dump the Pump day we promote taking transit to get people out of their cars, walking, on the bus, and part of that is promoting healthy living,” said Main.
Another point of emphasis was texting and driving; if more people were to ride the bus, they would have time to text and make phone calls while still making it to their destination, which leads to safer roadways.
Marketing Analyst for StarMetro, Lavonia Sampson-Jones enjoys the perks of riding public transit.
“I love catching the bus because it gives me the opportunity to just relax and think about things. I plan things out, I read books, it’s just really great leisure time,” said Sampson-Jones.
In 2006, Dump the Pump Day was started when gas prices were $3 per gallon as a way to bring awareness to the cities’ public transportation.
According to the April American Public Transit Association Transit Savings Report, a two-person household can save over $10,000 a year by downsizing to one vehicle.
Tony Banks, a Tallahassee resident, understands the financial benefits of using public transportation.
“The bus is a comfortable way to get around, it keeps you cool. You can save a lot of gas and that can save you a lot of money that you can use for other things that you might need,” said Banks.
Tallahassee residents are given the opportunity to commit to riding the bus anytime this month on the City of Tallahassee’s website and in return will be rewarded a free 30 day membership to Gold’s Gym or YouFit.
For more information, visit Talgov.com/dumpthepump