On June 21st, public transportation agencies nationwide will be encouraging commuters to “Dump the Pump.” Dump the Pump is an annual effort to get commuters to try public transit to avoid high gas prices. In metro Atlanta, dumping the pump saves commuters in more ways than one.
The average driver spends $2,250 annually* at the pump. Trying a transit commute puts that cash back in commuters’ pockets, and saves on the costs commuters spend for the daily wear and tear on their car.
Beyond the pump, commuters save in other ways. By taking public transit, commuters save themselves from the stress of driving in traffic. Studies show that drivers have the most stressful commutes, dealing with unexpected delays and traffic congestion. Public transit allows riders to unwind on their commute and relax.
Transit commutes also save riders time as they can multitask on the ride. Rather than focusing on the road, transit riders can answer emails, read a book, even nap on their way to and from the office. Commuters report this makes the ride seem faster as well, as they get more done on the ride.
Finally, riders help save themselves from the health risks of poor air quality. The majority of the air pollution in metro Atlanta is formed by vehicle emissions. Solo car commutes produce the most vehicle emissions per commuting person. And when these emissions “get cooked” by the heat and sunlight of our spring and summer weather, it can create levels of smog pollution that is unhealthy for some or all populations. Taking transit reduces the amount of vehicle emission added to the air, reducing the amount of smog we breathe.
We encourage you to try transit as your commute option on June 21st to discover all the ways you save.
If you are trying transit for the first time, you can sign up to earn $5 a day for up to $150, just for taking a clean commute option. Learn more about our incentive programs here.
*This average is based on a vehicle that get 20 MPG driving 15,000 miles per year, with the average cost of gas at $3 per gallon.