SFRTA Marks Annual Dump the Pump Day with Free Rides on Tri-Rail

"The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) is celebrating the 6th Annual “Dump the Pump” Day by offering free rides on Tri-Rail on Thursday, June 16th, to anyone who wants to take the train. “Dump the Pump” Day was created by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) to encourage people to beat the high cost of gas by leaving their car at home and taking a train, bus, or trolley, instead. Last year, more than 120 transit systems nationwide participated in the effort.

“We realize that people are having a difficult time just getting to their jobs with the price of gas, let alone traveling for any leisure activities,” said SFRTA Executive Director Joe Giulietti. “By offering free rides on Tri-Rail on ‘Dump the Pump’ Day, we are encouraging people to discover that there are alternatives to the expense of driving to get around the region.”

In addition to free rides, there will be activities at various Tri-Rail stations throughout the day. Several radio stations will be broadcasting live from train stations and members of the SFRTA staff will be present to talk to passengers about the benefits of public transportation, and Tri-Rail in particular.

Statistics have shown that transportation is the second highest strain on a family’s budget, only slightly less than lodging. If one family member opts to commute on public transportation and the household can give up one car, the savings can be as much as $9,000 a year in South Florida"