Local public transportation agencies will join the 10th Annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thurs., June 18, in an effort to urge daily drivers to go green, save money, and consider taking mass transit.

According to event organizers, AAA Washington reports the average price of regular gasoline in the Seattle metro area is $3.16 a gallon, up five cents in the past week, and 36 cents higher than the national average. Moreover, a typical commuter who leaves his or her car behind each workday can save hundreds or thousands of dollars a year just by avoiding gas and parking costs.

Event organizers report local public transportation agencies provide 200 million trips annually, and transit ridership is growing, resulting in fewer automobiles clogging the region’s roadways and more savings for transit commuters. As summer approaches, several Puget Sound transit agencies have increased service heading into the summer. For example, Pierce Transit recently increased service three per cent in its core service area and on weekends, according to event organizers.

Dump the Pump Day is sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, Intercity Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, and Washington State Ferries. More information is available online here.

Similarly, June is Ride Transit Month, which aims to achieve the goal of 10,000 participants traveling at least 700,000 miles on buses, trains, and ferries, thereby avoiding the emissions of approximately one-million pounds of carbon dioxide. The event is organized by Transportation Choices Coalition, and is supported by a partnership with Downtown On the Go and Pierce Trips. More information is available online here.