CARTA will offer free bus rides Thursday in celebration of the 10th annual Dump the Pump Day.
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority will join 160 public transit systems around the nation in highlighting potential savings for people with cars when they ride the bus. CARTA is among nearly 30 transit systems offering free rides to everyone.
"It saves a whole lot of money and maintenance on your vehicle," said CARTA bus driver June Atkins.
CARTA bus driver Natasha Maples approaches the EPB northbound stop on her route #16 from downtown to Northgate Mall. Next week, CARTA will offer free rides all day in their annual Dump the Pump promotion.The one-way fare for an adult is $1.50 per ride. A 31-day pass for unlimited use on any route is $50.
Even with gas prices decreasing, most people still spend more than $50 a month on gas, said Veronica Peeples, CARTA's manager of communications.
CARTA wants anyone who is not now using its service to at least try it Thursday, Peeples said.
According to the American Public Transportation Association, a two-person household can save more than $9,394 a year by downsizing to one car.
CARTA also offers free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. And bus riders don't have to be concerned about parking or navigating traffic.
"We realize that public transportation is not always as feasible for some people as it may be for others, but it's up to the individual to recognize the savings for them," Peeples said.
Retired business owner Joe Clark is among more than 3 million CARTA riders a year. He has a car and a CARTA bus pass and says he sees the ups and downs of public transportation.
Riding the bus consumes time, he said. A rider may need to leave two hours early for a doctor's appointment. But the bus also saves money.
"I keep a pass because of downtown parking and the price of gas," he said.
He also noted that public transportation is how many people get to work, school and church.
Jerry "Sponz" Hayes, who was sitting near a bus stop Monday, called CARTA an essential service to the community.
"Being without transportation is like being handicapped, because you can't get where you need to go," he said.
Contact staff writer Yolanda Putman at yputman@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6431.