CARTA to offer free bus rides on Thursday

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority will offer free bus rides on Thursday as part of the 12th annual Dump the Pump Day on Thursday.

"There is no better day or price to ride public transit," Veronica Peebles, CARTA's manager of communications said in a news release. "CARTA is delighted to extend this offer again, particularly to those who have considered using public transportation. We hope this incentive will be the 'nudge' that some people need to try CARTA's services and for those who are already using our bus services, we thank you for your continued patronage."

The theme of this year's event is "Dump the Pump. Ride Public Transit," according to the news release.

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association, the national Dump the Pump Day encourages people to ride public transportation instead of driving a car. Started in June 2006, this national day emphasizes that public transportation is a great travel option that also helps people save money, it has a proven record of reducing congestion, and is a cornerstone of local economies that helps communities to grow.

According to APTA's Transit Savings Report, a two-person household can save on the average more than $9,700 annually by downsizing to one car. "And they can save even more if they let CARTA do the driving," Peebles said.

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