8th Annual National Dump the Pump Day Rally to be held June 20th

June 12, 2013

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is inviting the public to join the festivities at the 8th Annual Dump the Pump Day with WGN radio personality Garry Meier. Meier will kick off this year’s event at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago on Thursday, June 20, from noon to 2 p.m., where participants will learn how to reduce their dependence on gas and have a chance to win great prizes.

Dump the Pump Day is a national initiative that encourages everyone on the third Thursday in June to use public transit instead of driving. This year, the RTA along with participating partners, the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, Pace, Active Transportation Alliance, I-GO and Chicago Water Taxi will be on hand to offer ways to make commuting easier and more efficient.

 “Gas prices are well above the $4 mark, so saving money is on everyone’s minds and public transportation is the quickest way to beat high gas prices,” said RTA Executive Director Joe Costello. “When a rider takes public transportation and leaves their car at home, they are saving money, reducing highway congestion and showing their commitment to the sustainability of our environment.”

Participants who pledge to Dump the Pump will receive a raffle ticket to have a chance at winning exciting prizes during the rally including a pair of Chicago Blackhawk tickets for a single game during the 2013-2014 season, a pair of Chicago Cubs tickets for a single game during the 2013 season, a hockey puck autographed by Blackhawks Dave Bolland, a Blackhawks poster autographed by Patrick Sharpe, a Blackhawks poster autographed by Corey Crawford and Jonathan Toews and an opportunity for a winner and three guests to sit in on Garry’s live radio show. Participants must be present to win prizes.

The RTA is joining more than 150 transit systems across the country for the national campaign that is sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

The regional transit system of Northeastern Illinois makes a significant impact on the environment by saving approximately 150 million gallons of gas annually. And as saving money continues to be on everyone’s mind in this economic climate, the Dump the Pump campaign is another means to encourage travelers to see the value in public transportation.