Madison, WI - Mayor Dave Cieslewicz has proclaimed Thursday, June 21 as Dump the Pump Day in the City of Madison and encourages all residents to take public transportation and "dump the pump."

With environmental concerns on everyone's mind, Metro Transit will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the Second Annual National Dump the Pump Day on June 21. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2007 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation to help improve the environment and to conserve gasoline.

"Public transportation plays a vital role in improving our environment," said Cieslewicz. "On June 21, Madison area residents can make a difference by riding public transportation and encouraging their friends and family to do so, too."

U.S. public transportation systems help to create a healthier environment by reducing smog-producing pollutants and greenhouses gases. Public transportation produces nearly 50 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx), per passenger mile, as private vehicles.

"We will be highlighting our environmentally-friendly buses and letting the public know that Metro Transit is leading the way in conserving fuel by using energy-efficient and alternative fueled buses," said Metro Transit General Manager Chuck Kamp. Metro buses run on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel which reduces hydrocarbon emissions by 75%. Metro also has five new diesel-electric hybrid buses on order and purchases wind power for a quarter of its Maintenance & Administration Facility's electrical needs.

Earlier this year a report by ICF International titled, "Public Transportation and Petroleum Savings in the U.S.: Reducing Dependence on Oil," stated that the U.S. public transportation systems save 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline every year, the equivalent of 108 million cars filling up in a year.

"The 2007 National Dump the Pump Day is a public awareness day that emphasizes the environmental benefits of using public transportation," said APTA President William W. Millar. "It is also a day for people across the country to make a difference as they conserve gasoline and help our environment."