“Driving” as we know it, at one time, did not even exist. Then things changed, dramatically. Driving has for a long time been a part of mainstream American culture and society. The practice has become widespread, so much so, in fact, that per-citizen driving totaled approximately 9,487 miles in 2014 on average and, all together last year, we added more than 3.016 trillion miles to our autos’ odometers.
The upside to just this very thing is that vehicles’ fuel-economy ratings have actually improved some. It is now close to 25 miles per gallon on average. This being the case means that the average car is consuming roughly 380 gallons of gasoline and diesel yearly.
But, just as there is an upside there is also a drawback. For each gallon of gasoline burned, approximately 20 pounds of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. And, this is for carbon dioxide only and does not take into consideration the damage to the air caused by benzene, carbon monoxide, fine and ultra-fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, sulfur oxide, volatile organic compound and other pollutant releases that internal-combustion engines are known to emit.
So, why not give it and your vehicle a rest at least for a day and use public transit instead? Exactly the intent behind the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) “National Dump the Pump Day” which this year is on Jun. 18th.
“In communities of all sizes across the nation, people will be dumping the pump on June 18, said APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy,” reported the APTA in the “10th Annual National Dump the Pump Day Is Tomorrow! – Dump the Pump. Ride Public Transit.” press release. “‘This year, 176 public transit systems are promoting National Dump the Pump Day in a variety ways to thank current riders and welcome new riders.’
“APTA first started National Dump the Pump Day in June 2006 when gas prices had reached $3 per gallon and the public demand for public transportation was growing in response to high gas prices. According to the June 10 2015 Transit Savings Report, on the average, an individual in a two-person household can save $9,530 a year when he or she downsizes by one car and takes public transit instead. ”
At any rate, as a result of this one day, by taking part, this could even help members of the transiting public find a working formula whereby money can be saved, air can be spared and everyday mobility needs can be satisfactorily met.
“Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), in partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), this national public awareness day encourages people to change their travel behavior and switch from driving a car to riding a bus or train. Not only does riding public transportation help an individual save money, but it helps grow a community, and improves the environment,” the APTA added.
![NewOrleansHUDRedStreetcarRiverfrontCanal[1]](https://alankandel.scienceblog.com/files/2013/01/NewOrleansHUDRedStreetcarRiverfrontCanal1.jpg)
…Just some of the many benefits of using public transportation.
Published by Alan Kandel
I went to the APTA (or NAPTA, I think one linked to the other) site to see if I could find out more. I didn’t see a press reselae. I still don’t know to what number or to whom I would’ve sent the text you mention. I did find a petition that could be signed that supported mass transit and I signed that & listed some of the reasons I think it’s useful or that I use it since there was space for that.I use public transit when I can. What I have seen where I live is that too many decisions are made to benefit the wealthy. Where I live, the city would rather subsidize (by purchasing) a small general aviation airport, which is predominantly used by those who are wealthy enough to own/lease small planes and/or helicopters. Which is maybe 5% of the people living with the town’s limits. A commercial shuttle has been attempted twice, one in the ’90 s, again recently and this last effort, even with a substantial state transportation grant, the shuttle didn’t average even 1/2 full (a 9 passenger plane) even w/a subsidized fare. The city will not even consider helping to subsidize a commute bus to the nearest large town (about 60 miles away) even though there are close links between the university there & the marine science center here. It looks like people will go the van pool route instead. There is also a right of way that could serve for a rail track from the nearest town (6 miles or so away) and the port here it could also, eventually, w/track work, serve passenger rail as well. A win/win, you’d think a commercial & passenger rail link. Not according to this city council, etc. They just want their airport paid for by taxpayers. So, I use mass transit when I can, I support it, but I don’t see the PTB doing much but looking to see how to use tax dollars to support what they want.
Regarding not being able to see the press release, did you try clicking on the link highlighted in red in the article above? NAPTA?