With high gas prices on everyone’s mind, Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) announced today that it will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the third annual national Dump the Pump Day on June 19. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2008 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, conserve gasoline, and help reduce greenhouse gases.

“Using public transportation is the quickest way to beat high gas prices,” said General Manager/CEO Carl Sedoryk. “If gas prices are too high for you, then “dump the pump” and take a bus on June 19.”

Households with two workers and one car that use public transportation save $6,200 every year, compared to a household with no access to public transportation.

“Public transportation also has an important role to play in helping to reduce greenhouse gases,” said Sedoryk. “If you leave your car behind to take public transportation, you will be helping to combat climate change.”

According to a new study prepared by the International and titled Broadening the Connection (ICF) between Public Transportation and Energy Conservation, public transportation reduces our nation’s carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons annually – equivalent to the electricity used by 4.9 million households.

“By participating in the third annual national Dump the Pump Day, we hope people who have never used Monterey-Salinas Transit will decide to give us a try instead of driving their car,” said Sedoryk. “We will welcome new riders and thank our regular riders.

“With gas prices higher than ever and financial concerns affecting everyone, now is the time to save money and ride public transportation,” said APTA President William W. Millar. “The National Dump the Pump Day on June 19 is an opportunity for people across the country to make a difference in their wallet, as well as in the environment.”

Monterey-Salinas Transit will be hosting a live Internet Webinar conference with General Manager/CEO Carl Sedoryk Thursday, June 19 from 3:30-4:30 PM discussing the financial and environmental benefits of public transportation. A question and answer period will be included.

To join MST’s Webinar please visit www.mst.org, click on the Dump the Pump Webinar link and enter meeting number 8775896971, code 933342, your e-mail address and name. If you do not yet have WebEx software installed on your computer, please allow an additional five minutes before the presentation for downloading.

For more information, call Monterey-Salinas Transit toll free at 1-888-MST-BUS1.