Hampton Roads ‘Dumps the Pump’

Hampton Roads Transit ©
June 19, 2008

Hampton, VA—Hampton Roads commuters and businesses joined Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) today in the annual ‘Dump the Pump’ day.

Dump the Pump, sponsored by HRT and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), is dedicated to encouraging people to skip the use of their personal vehicles and take public transportation, carpool, telework, ride a bike, or walk. The idea is to save money, conserve gas, and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.

“Public transportation is an alternative to rising gasoline prices,” said HRT President and CEO Michael Townes. “It is my hope that everyone continues dumping the pump even after Dump the Pump day.”

Participants had the opportunity to try the MAX, HRT’s first fully regional express service, which launched just four days prior to Dump the Pump day. The MAX, or Metro Area Express, offers commuters direct city to city service with limited stops. The fare for this service is free until July 1.

HRT launched a vigorous Dump the Pump campaign through a number of radio, online, and billboard advertisements. The public was asked to commit to dumping the pump by adding their name to the list found on CureSOV.com. Over 500 participants signed up, including employers such as Naval Station Norfolk, Northrop Grumman, and the Naval Air Forces. Dump the Pump day was organized by HRT’s TRAFFIX program, a service that offers commuters alternatives to riding to work in their single occupancy vehicles. For more information, please visit gohrt.com.