Save Your Budget, Dump the Pump
| Adam Shaivitz | Misty Whited | Erica McKewen |
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Save Your Budget, Dump the Pump
Capital Metro Encourages Drivers to Take Public Transit March 12, 2008NEWS FACTS
- As gas prices reach an all-time record high in Central Texas, Capital Metro wants to remind citizens to "Dump the Pump" and use public transportation.
- Taking advantage of Capital Metro's services is the easiest way to save money on fuel and vehicle repairs while avoiding stress from traffic.
- According to AAA, the cost of regular unleaded gasoline has risen to $3.14 per gallon, an increase of 31 percent compared to a year ago.
- Capital Metro's bus ridership is also rising and includes an 11 percent increase in ridership from Park and Ride facilities the first four months of FY 2008 compared to a year ago.
- Commuters can visit www.capmetro.org and use the commute cost calculator to learn how much money they can save by using public transit instead of their own vehicles.
- Riding Capital Metro can also help people reduce their carbon footprint.
- One person switching his or her commute to public transit from a private vehicle can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 20 pounds per day - more than 4,800 pounds per year.
- Each year public transportation use saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline - more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day.
- Current bus riders are even sharing their woes from gas prices through Capital Metro's new i-Ride campaign, which focuses on customers' reasons for riding.
- The i-Ride contestants are asked to tell why the use public transit and are encouraged to use their creativity in telling their story.
- Prizes include an i-Phone, a $500 gift card and the chance to be featured on Capital Metro bus advertisements.
MULTIMEDIA ELEMENTS
QUOTES
- "As fuel prices continue to climb, now is the time to take advantage of the
benefits of public transportation. Riding Capital Metro will save you money,
reduce stress and help the environment."
-- Fred Gilliam, Capital Metro President/CEO
- "When gas prices really rose over a year ago, I started riding the bus
regularly. After 3 months, I had cut my gasoline purchases in half, lost 10
pounds, lowered my cholesterol and caught up on my reading."
-- Mary S., Capital Metro i-Rider
ABOUT CAPITAL METRO Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority provides bus service on flexible, convenient schedules at more than 3,000 bus stops throughout Central Texas, providing riders with an average of 140,000 one-way trips each day. Capital Metro's fixed route bus service includes 54 metro and flyer routes, 24 special routes, five downtown circulator 'Dillo routes, seven express routes and 20 UT shuttle routes. Capital Metro also offers 56 AISD school routes, van and carpooling coordination, shuttles to special events, special transit services for the disabled, and freight rail. Capital MetroRail passenger service from Leander to Downtown Austin will begin in fall 2008. For more information, including an online trip planner and a commute cost calculator, visit www.capmetro.org or call (512) 474-1200.
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200