SunLine Participates in 9th Annual “Dump the Pump” Day

Agency to Offer Free Rides to Coachella Valley Residents and Visitors 
Thursday, June 19, 2014 from 5:00 a.m. to Noon

Thousand Palms, CA - June 12, 2014:  With the return of high gas prices, SunLine Transit Agency announced today that it will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the ninth annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 19th. The slogan of this year’s National Dump the Pump Day is “Dump the Pump.  Save Money.  Ride Transit.”

In these tough economic times with high gas prices, everyone is looking for a way to save money. “Dump the Pump Day encourages people in the Coachella Valley to park their cars, ride the bus and leave the driving to us,” states SunLine CEO/General Manager Lauren Skiver. “Riding our environmentally friendly buses is an economical way to beat high gas prices.” SunLine will be offering free rides on all local routes Thursday, June 19, 2014 from 5:00 a.m. to 12 noon. The Dump the Pump event will kick off at The Westfield Mall bus stop on Town Center Way and Hahn in Palm Desert at 5:00 a.m. by SunLine CEO/General Manager, Lauren Skiver and SunLine staff.

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Dump the Pump emphasizes that public transportation is a great travel option that also helps people save money.  According to the April APTA Transit Savings Report, individuals in a two-person household can save an average of more than $10,174 annually by downsizing to one car.

Additionally, public transportation is a cornerstone of local economies in urban, suburban, and rural communities. In fact, public transportation helps to make a community economically prosperous and competitive. Every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns, powering community growth and revitalization.