IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jean Leier
(704) 432-0496
SECOND ANNUAL DUMP THE PUMP TO BE HELD ON JUNE 21
Transit Plays Key Role in Helping the Environment and Conserving Gasoline
Charlotte, N.C., June 20, 2007 - With environmental concerns on everyone's mind, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) announced today that it will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the Second Annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 21. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2007 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation to help improve the environment and to conserve gasoline.
"Public transportation plays a vital role in improving our environment," said Ron Tober, CATS Chief Executive Officer. "On June 21, people can make a difference by riding public transportation and encouraging their friends and family to do so, too."
U.S. public transportation systems help to create a healthier environment by reducing smog-producing pollutants and greenhouses gases. Public transportation produces 95 percent less carbon monoxide (CO), 92 percent less VOX and 50 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx), per passenger mile, as private vehicles. "Participation in National Dump the Pump Day means we will be reaching out to new riders and thanking our current riders," Tober said
CATS has introduced several environmental initiatives including hybrid electric buses, ultra low sulfur fuel use on all CATS buses and the installation of particulate traps which reduces emissions by 90 percent. CATS also encourages other commuting choices such as vanpooling, carpooling, biking and walking.
Earlier this year a report by ICF International, "Public Transportation and Petroleum Savings in the U.S.: Reducing Dependence on Oil," stated that the U.S. public transportation systems save 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline every year, the equivalent of 108 million cars filling up in a year. In 2006, there were 10.1 billion trips taken on public transportation, the highest in 49 years. Public transit use is up 30 percent since 1995. That is more than double the growth rate of the population (12 percent) and higher than the growth rate for the vehicle miles traveled on our roads (24 percent) during that same period. Locally, CATS ridership has increased over 11 percent in the past two years and over 67 percent since 1998.
"The 2007 National Dump the Pump Day is a public awareness day that emphasizes the environmental benefits of using public transportation," said APTA President William W. Millar. "It is also a day for people across the country to make a difference as they conserve gasoline and help our environment."
To learn more about CATS and its services, call 704-336-RIDE or visit us on the web at www.ridetransit.org.
