Research Triangle Park, N.C. –   With environmental concerns and high gas prices on everyone’s mind, the Triangle Transit Authority is joining with other public transportation systems in the Triangle and other transit systems nationwide in the Second Annual “Dump the Pump” campaign.   

“Alternatives to driving alone such as riding the bus, carpooling, vanpooling and teleworking can play a vital role in improving our community and our environment,” said David King, General Manager of TTA.   “People can make a difference and encourage their friends and family to do so, too. Unlike a single day last year, transit agencies in the Triangle want people to ‘Dump the Pump’ through Labor Day.”

TTA, Capital Area Transit (CAT), Cary Transit (C-Tran), Chapel Hill Transit, Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA), NCSU Wolfline, SmartCommute@RTP and UNC’s Commuter Assistance Program aim to save thousands of gallons of gas this summer by encouraging biking, riding the bus, carpooling, vanpooling or teleworking to work, school, errands or weekend activities.

Information from AAA Carolinas this week shows the price of unleaded regular gas in the Triangle at 2.99 a gallon, compared with 2.83 last June.  “The summer will be a great opportunity for first-time participants in “Dump the Pump” to leave their car at home,” said John Tallmadge, commuter resources director for TTA.  “By using the regional on-line trip planner at GoTriangle.org,” Tallmadge said, “anyone can get the information they need to make their trip effortless and hassle-free.”  

The regional transit information Web site at www.GoTriangle.org will have special “Dump the Pump” information including an interactive chart showing dollar savings available by using several modes instead of the single occupied vehicle how businesses can set up a transit pass program, an online “tool box” of promotional materials for employers and a pledge form that people can use to help the region save thousands of gallons of gas. GoTriangle.org also has additional information on trip planning and transit fares.

Public transportation systems help to create a healthier environment by reducing smog-producing pollutants and greenhouses gases.  TTA buses and vanpools reduced 13,639 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) in FY 2005 and FY 2006.  Rider use of buses and vanpools in those years saved 1,522,368 gallons of gasoline.

TTA is a regional public transportation provider, offering a wide variety of transit and vanpool services to North Carolina's Triangle Region and outlying counties. Regional bus and shuttle service is available to Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, Hillsborough, RDU International Airport, Research Triangle Park and Raleigh.

The Triangle Transit Authority also provides commuter resources and hosts www.rideTTA.org and www.GoTriangle.org, on-line resources for public transportation information in the Triangle.  

For more information, visit www.rideTTA.org or call (919) 549-9999.