As America’s economic challenges continue, B.G. Transit announced today that it will join with other
public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the fourth annual National Dump the Pump Day
this Thursday.
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2009 National Dump the Pump Day
is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, protect the environment,
reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and improve our quality of life.
"America is facing a number of significant economic challenges right now," said Bowling Green’s
Mayor John Quinn. "People that use public transportation are helping to answer those challenges for
themselves and for their country. That’s why we’re asking people to join us and dump the pump on June
18."
Individuals can achieve an average annual savings of over $8,000 by taking public transportation instead
of driving and by living with one less car. And for every $1 invested in public transportation
infrastructure, $6 is generated in economic returns to communities.
"Public transportation also has an important role to play in the energy and environmental
debate," said Quinn. "If you leave your car behind to take public transportation, you will be
helping to reduce America’s dependence on foreign energy and combat climate change."
Public transportation saves 900,000 automobile fill-ups each day – 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline per
year, and switching to public transportation can reduce individual carbon emissions by 20 pounds per day
or 4,800 pounds annually.
"By participating in Dump the Pump Day, we hope people who have never used the B.G. Transit will
decide to give us a try instead of driving their car," Quinn said.
The B.G. Transit is Bowling Green’s public transportation system, providing service to the general public
throughout the entire city limits. All seven of the transit vehicles are accessible to persons with
disabilities. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays 10 to 4 p.m.
The general fare (one way) is $3.50. Reduced fares are available to persons aged 65 years or older,
children (4-13 years of age) and those with disabilities. For more information on how to receive reduced
fares, please contact (419) 354-6203. When scheduling a ride call 1-800-579-4299. Persons with speech
and/or hearing impairments may make contact through the Ohio Relay Network at 1-800-750-0750.
To learn more about the B.G. Transit, check out its Web site: www.bgohio.org/grants/transportation.html.
The B.G. Transit is funded, in part, through the City of Bowling Green and an operating grant from the
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
