- Categories:
- Cause
- Tags:
- ConservationFinancial
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June 17
- Holiday emoji:
- 🚌
National Dump the Pump Day encourages commuters to choose public transportation every June 17. This annual observance highlights the financial and environmental benefits of leaving your car at home. Join the movement by riding the bus, train, or subway, exploring carpooling options, and advocating for better transit infrastructure.
Want to sponsor National Dump the Pump Day? Learn how
Expected National Dump the Pump Day Deals
As a ‘Cause’ holiday, National Dump the Pump Day focuses on advocacy and awareness rather than commercial deals. However, many public transit agencies offer special incentives or free rides on this day. Look for promotions from local transit authorities like MTA in New York, CTA in Chicago, WMATA in Washington D.C., and LA Metro in Los Angeles. Environmental organizations such as the Sierra Club and Environmental Defense Fund often highlight the day with educational campaigns and calls to action. We will update this page with confirmed local transit initiatives and advocacy events as June 17 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Dump the Pump Day
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Mention @NatlToday and use #DumpThePump. Share your public transit commute photos or tips for sustainable travel.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DumpThePumpDay. Post about your commitment to public transport and tag your local transit agency.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #SustainableCommute. Share insights on corporate sustainability initiatives or remote work policies that reduce driving.
National Dump the Pump Day Hero
Frederick Law Olmsted
History of National Dump the Pump Day
The National Dump the Pump Day was honored for the first time in 2006 by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). The day is celebrated each year on the third Thursday of June, and this year, the day falls on June 17. APTA was created in 1882 in Massachusetts, Boston as the American Street Railway Association as its initial focus was on the railway system of the country. However, in 2000, the association merged with the Institute of Rapid Transit, becoming APTA instantly. The nonprofit organization is the only North American organization that represents all public transportation systems. APTA currently consists of more than 1500 public and private transportation sectors.
You can commemorate the day by riding public transport, just like APTA’s slogan for the day goes, “Dump the Pump. Ride Transit.” One study shows that spending one dollar on public transport returns four dollars to the country’s economy. If your household owns more than one car, you can choose to ride together to save up to ten thousand dollars in gas money and gas taxes every year. As the years have progressed, car technology has improved immensely, and today, we have hybrid and electric cars that have either reduced gas usage or completely taken gas out of the picture. Such inventions are great news not only for the economy but also for the environment. Billions have already been spent on the fossil fuel industry, from the discovery of fossil fuel resources to building fossil fuel extraction plants and sustaining them. In all this scenario, the environment takes a hit for the worse because of pollution. Many species are on the verge of extinction. Furthermore, humans have had to pay the price because of the increase in diseases due to pollution. For instance, millions worldwide die due to a disease they wouldn’t have suffered from had pollution levels been lower.
National Dump the Pump Day timeline
The American Public Transportation Association is created as the American Street Railway Association.
Massachusetts starts a subway system to allow commuters to travel freely without the worry of severe weather conditions.
The first authenticated streetcar begins service in New York and Harlem Railroad.
APTA commemorates the first National Dump the Pump Day to encourage the public to use public transport in order to reduce gas usage.
National Dump the Pump Day FAQs
When is National Dump the Pump Day?
National Dump the Pump Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, June 17. It’s a perfect mid-week reminder to leave your car at home and explore public transit options.
What are the benefits of public transportation?
Public transportation offers numerous benefits, including significant cost savings on fuel and parking, reduced traffic congestion, and lower carbon emissions. It also provides a more equitable and accessible way for people to travel, fostering community connection.
How many people use public transportation?
According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), public transit systems provided 7.4 billion unlinked passenger trips in 2023 across the United States. This demonstrates the significant role transit plays in daily commutes.
Who organizes National Dump the Pump Day?
National Dump the Pump Day is organized by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). APTA is a leading advocate for public transit, promoting its benefits and supporting the industry through various initiatives and events.
How To Observe National Dump the Pump Day
Ride public transport
Ride public transport to get to your destination. Plan your trip a day ahead to see your options, and better decide the best routes. Encourage your peers to do the same.
Ride a cycle or carpool
If you cannot ride public transport, you can collaborate with your friends and family to take one car to your destination. The goal is to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, so even if you choose to ride a bicycle (or simply walk!) to your stop, it would still be great.
Plan your other trips
To truly honor the day, you should continue ditching your car by planning your travels sans your car. Be it a regular grocery run or visiting a friend/family, choose a sustainable transportation system. A substantial amount of difference can only be made if this becomes a regular thing.
5 Facts About Fossil Fuels That Will Blow Your Mind
Fossil fuels from organic matter
Fossil fuels come from the millions-years-old organic matter of dead plants and animals that have become decomposed and compressed from our planet’s heat and pressure.
Plastic from fossil fuels
Plastics are made from the oil or coal that has been extracted from a fossil fuel source.
Depleting fossil fuel sources
Due to the world’s increasing population and the increase in supply/demand, fossil fuels may run out within 100 years.
Fossil fuels are non-renewable
While very efficient and resourceful, fossil fuels are non-renewable, which means human beings cannot create them by themselves.
Coal pollution leading to diseases
When coal is burned, it releases sulfur dioxide, which can cause breathing issues for many living creatures as well as cause acid rain.
Why We Love National Dump the Pump Day
It’s a celebration of public transportation
The public transportation system provides us with an indispensable service in today’s world. It reduces the overall pollution levels. It also gives us a safe option to turn to when things with our vehicles go haywire.
It’s a celebration of efficiency
When a problem plagues our lives, we are slowed down. We start looking for ways to solve it and overcome it, bringing efficiency back into our lives. This efficiency is also reflected in APTA’s goals to reduce gas usage by looking for an alternative, but efficient way to travel.
It’s a celebration of the future
Future holds a lot of promises, especially for the generations to come. We must put in our share of efforts to preserve what is left for what is to come, and we can begin doing this by opting for public transportation.
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