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MonJun 17

National Dump the Pump Day – June 17, 2024

The National Dump the Pump Day on June 17 encourages commuters to forego their cars by using public transportation. The day aims to allow people to save time and money on gas. Moreover, the day also spreads awareness about the depleting fossil fuel resources. Factors like population growth, urbanization, globalization, and the increased demand/supply issue have led humans to use fossil fuels without thinking about future repercussions. This domino effect has further led to the increase in environmental pollution as well as air-borne diseases. National Dump the Pump Day motivates people to think about the future by using public transport for not just one day, but the days to come. 

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

1882
APTA Created

The American Public Transportation Association is created as the American Street Railway Association.

1897
First Underground Subway System

Massachusetts starts a subway system to allow commuters to travel freely without the worry of severe weather conditions.

1932
First Streetcar in New York

The first authenticated streetcar begins service in New York and Harlem Railroad.

2006
First National Dump the Pump Day Celebrated

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

What is the history of general transport?

As is with any living creature with feet, humans began traveling by foot in the olden days. Over time, humans learned to train and breed animals like camels and horses for transportation. With the invention of the wheel in 3500 B.C., traveling became much easier and efficient. 

How did public transport evolve?

After the invention of the wheel, people started traveling on horse-drawn carts in groups. Peasants and lower classes would hitch a ride on a horse cart for a few cents or for free. On the other hand, upper-class people had personal horse carts. Technological advances meant the creation of mechanical transport systems like cars, railways, and buses. 

What is the purpose of public transportation?

Public transportation allows people to travel using several options. People can use public transportation to travel to their destinations like offices, parks, malls, and hospitals. 

How To Observe National Dump the Pump Day

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. Plastic from fossil fuels

    Plastics are made from the oil or coal that has been extracted from a fossil fuel source.

  3. 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.

  4. Fossil fuels are non-renewable

    While very efficient and resourceful, fossil fuels are non-renewable, which means human beings cannot create them by themselves.

  5. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

National Dump the Pump Day dates

YearDateDay
2024June 17Monday
2025June 17Tuesday
2026June 17Wednesday
2027June 17Thursday
2028June 17Saturday

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