With the economic recession still in effect and with the return of rising gas prices, Monterey-Salinas Transit announced today that it will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the Fifth Annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 17. The slogan of this year’s National Dump the Pump Day is “Dump the Pump. Save Money. Ride Transit.”

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) the 2010 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation and save money instead of driving a car. Started in June 2006 when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this national day emphasizes that public transportation is a great travel option that also helps people save money.

In this economic climate, saving money is on everyone’s minds and public transportation is the quickest way to beat high gas prices. According to the latest APTA Transit Savings Report, individuals in a two person household can save an average of more than $9,000 annually by downsizing to one car.

For more information call Monterey-Salinas Transit toll free at 1-888-MST-BUS1.