Jun 19, 2008 6:04 am US/Pacific
SoCal Commuters Encouraged To 'Dump The Pump'
LOS ANGELES
Given gasoline prices these days, Los Angeles transit officials hope to persuade commuters to use public transportation instead of their cars on Thursday -- the third annual National Dump the Pump Day.
The campaign is orchestrated by the American Public Transportation Association, and Southland transit officials are on board encouraging people to take buses or trains for a day.
"Using public transportation is the quickest way to beat high gas prices," said Peggy Delach, president of Foothill Transit's executive board.
"I take public transit to work in Los Angeles and I can tell you first-hand that the money saved is significant."
Foothill Transit is offering riders free one-day passes if they fill out a survey on the agency's Web site, www.foothilltransit.org.
Metro, Metrolink and the Automobile Club of Southern California are also urging people to get out of their cars. Officials from all three agencies plan to hold a ceremonial towing-away of a gas-guzzling sport-utility vehicle in front of Union Station Thursday morning.
According to the APTA, the day is "dedicated to raising awareness that public transportation helps improve the environment and conserve fuel. It also offers the opportunity for people to beat the high price of gasoline and
support public transportation as an important travel option that helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil."
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
