With summer gas prices on the rise, Laketran announced today that it will join with public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the eighth annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 20.

The Dump the Pump event will be held at City of Painesville’s Veterans Park alongside the Painesville Farmers Market. Laketran in partnership with the City of Painesville and WKKY radio will encourage people to dump the pump to see the benefits of using public transportation.

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) the 2013 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.

According to the Laketran savings calculator, on www.laketran.com, a rider can save up to $1,200 annually by taking public transit.

“Laketran’s website offers a Gas Saving Calculator that allows you to calculate how much you can save by riding Laketran, whether someone travels on local bus routes or commutes using Park-n-Ride to Cleveland. With gas prices shy of $4.00 a gallon, it’s not surprising that you can save well over $1000 annually,” explains Laketran marketing director Julia Schick, “Taking the bus could offer you that 3% raise you’ve been looking for!”

Anyone who rides Laketran on June 20 and stops by the event with a transfer ticket will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $50 Smart Card for Laketran.

WHAT: Laketran’s Annual Dump the Pump Celebration

WHEN: Thursday, June 20 from 2:00-6:00 PM

WHERE: City of Painesville’s Farmers Market (Veterans Park/Painesville Square)- 7 Richmond Street

ACCESS: Laketran Routes 1 from Mentor, Route 4 from Madison, Route 5 Fairport Harbor/Painesville, or Dial-a-Ride

WHY: To highlight public transportation as a travel option that saves people money on fuel

EVENT DETAILS: Laketran, City of Painesville, WKKY, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), and other community partners will promote cost-saving transportation options including public transit, biking, safe pedestrian travel, and carpooling. Prizes and giveaways will be available to encourage those who Dump the Pump to spend their savings locally here in Lake County.

For more information click here for Laketran’s Facebook Events Page.