Transit officials in southern California encouraged people last week to “Dump the Pump” and use mass transportation for one day. The third annual “Dump the Pump” day occurred on June 19. It’s an effort to protest rising gas prices and make people aware of transportation alternatives besides their personal vehicle.
Unfortunately, some mass transit riders are using the buses and other forms of transportation because that’s the only choice they have. Bob Gooian, a local resident, uses mass transportation about four days a week now that prices in the region average around $4.62 a gallon. Transit officials are seeing more and more people like Gooian who want to save on gas. “Just in this last May, May 2007, when we compare that to 2008, our ridership is up six percent on our rail lines over what it was last year,” said MTA CEO Roger Snoble. He also said that ridership on the area’s subways and Metro Rapid buses have increased since last year as well.
But saving money on gas prices isn’t the only benefit transit riders enjoy. They also save money on parking. That’s not to mention the amount of frustration they usually deal with in southern California traffic.
By making the switch to mass transit, you can afford to get a truck at your local GMC truck dealer. That way, you can use your full-size truck for pleasure without needing to commute to work with it every day. Think of the money you’ll save while still having the truck or SUV you’ve always wanted!
