IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                
Contact: Judy Dellert-O'Keef (704) 432-0477
Jean Leier (704) 432-0496

FOURTH ANNUAL NATIONAL DUMP THE PUMP TO BE
HELD ON JUNE 18

Go Green: Take Public Transportation to Answer One of America's Biggest Challenges

Charlotte, NC, June 15, 2009 - As America's economic challenges continue, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) announced today that it will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the fourth annual National Dump the Pump Day on June 18.   Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2009 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, protect the environment, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and improve our quality of life.

"America is facing a number of significant economic challenges right now," said Olaf Kinard, CATS' Director of Marketing and Communications.  "People that use public transportation are helping to answer those challenges for themselves and for their country. That's why we're asking people to join us and Dump the Pump on June 18."

With gasoline approaching $3.00 a gallon, taking public transportation is an easy and effective way to save on your commute.  So give your car a rest, hop on board CATS and start saving today while improving the environment.

"Public transportation also has an important role to play in the energy and environmental debate," said Kinard.  "If you leave your car behind to take public transportation, you will be helping to reduce America's dependence on foreign energy and combat climate change."

"With the economic downturn affecting everyone, now is the time to save money and ride public transportation," said APTA President William W. Millar. "The National Dump the Pump Day on June 18 is an opportunity for people across the country to ease the strain on their wallets and provide a more secure future for America."      

For a complete list of all CATS routes, vanpool information or how to carpool, visit us on the web at www.ridetransit.org or call 704-336-RIDE (7433).