Laketran Will Encourage Drivers to Dump the Pump Thursday

Laketran is asking people to ditch their cars and consider alternative means of transportation during its Dump the Pump event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at Great Lakes Mall.

Celebrity riders like the Lake County Captains' Skipper and the cow will show their support by riding Laketran buses.

Those who ride a Laketran bus to Great Lakes Mall Thursday could be rewarded with giveaways, coupons and  cookies.

National Dump the Pump Day is sponsored by The American Public Transportation Association to help create public awareness and encourage people to save money by trying public transportation instead of their car.

According to the latest APTA Transit Savings Report, Cleveland area commuters in a two-person household can save about $10,000 annually by only using one car.

In May 2011, as gas prices rose above $4 a gallon, Laketran’s ridership increased 12 percent as compared to May 2010, Laketran Marketing Director Julia Schick said. Also, local in-county routes increased by 19 percent and Cleveland commuter express increased by 16 percent.

“Using public transportation is one of the quickest and easiest ways to save on commuting costs,” said Laketran Board President Kevin Malecek in a statement. “With the volatility in gas prices, Laketran is proud to be able to provide affordable options to residents of Lake County.” 

“Dump the Pump Day reminds us that we need to educate and help people gain access to public transportation,” said Ray Jurkowski, Laketran's general manager. “Through an investment in public transit, we can help people save money, improve the environment and enhance the quality of life in our community.