Contact: Libby James
Phone: (336) 373-2820

Greensboro Transit Authority Encourages Commuters to 'Dump the Pump' and Try Transit
Demonstration of Hybrid Bus begins Tuesday

GREENSBORO, NC – June 18, 2008 – Greensboro Transit Authority is encouraging the commuting public to “Dump the Pump” beginning Thursday, June 19. On this day, GTA joins public transportation providers across the country in recognizing National Dump the Pump Day with the hopes of moving more passengers from personal automobiles to public transit.

The campaign to publicize the benefits of public transportation couldn’t come at a more appropriate time as the average cost of gas exceeds $4 per gallon. While prices are expected to climb even further throughout the summer, GTA will continue to offer an alternative to the pain at the pump by providing well over 10,000 passenger trips per day.
 
Supporting the message of energy conservation, on Tuesday, June 24, Greensboro Transit Authority’s current fleet of public transit buses will be joined temporarily by a new diesel-electric hybrid bus. The new 40-foot Gilig hybrid vehicle will be placed into service as a demonstration provided by Allison Transmissions, manufacturers of hybrid bus technologies.

Hybrid buses operate similarly to hybrid autos, using battery-stored electricity to provide operating power to the bus. The diesel engine is used to charge the batteries and provide additional acceleration when needed, increasing fuel mileage and reducing emissions. The vehicle, which will hold 35 to 40 seated passengers, will rotate among GTA’s daytime and evening routes until Thursday, June 26.

GTA is using the opportunity to evaluate operations of the bus in real world conditions ahead of the arrival of the first purchased hybrid bus announced earlier this week.

“Gas prices are on everyone’s mind right now and there’s no consensus on who to blame,” said Kevin Elwood with Greensboro Transit Authority. “Regardless of the cause, the average price of gas has increased 36 percent since mid-February. Consumers are feeling the effects and it is giving them reason to look for solutions. Fortunately, GTA offers a viable alternative with one-way fares at a third of the cost of a gallon of gas. Riding the bus reduces the impact on the wallet and the environment. And for additional benefit, you get to let someone else handle the driving while you read or just relax.”
 
GTA’s system of 24 routes and connectors plus 7 HEAT routes brings many more Greensboro destinations within reach of consumers without the need for a personal vehicle. Each of the climate controlled buses features ramps for wheelchairs and racks for carrying bicycles. The buses run on fixed schedules with a 30-minute frequency during the day, allowing riders to easily access citywide destinations. Most routes connect at the J. Douglas Galyon Depot Transportation Center where other public transportation offerings include PART Express, Carolina Trailways, Greyhound and Amtrak.

For more information on fuel prices and the public transportation solution, visit www.dumpthepump.net. On the site, try the interactive fuel savings calculator which computes the amount of money to be saved monthly and annually by taking transit. Visitors can also vent their frustrations by playing the “Whack-A-Pump” game on the American Public Transportation Association’s Dump the Pump supporting website.

The Greensboro Department of Transportation (GDOT) seeks to increase public safety and mobility through the effective planning and delivery of transportation services and operation of municipal transit. For more information about GDOT, contact us at (336) 373-GDOT (4368) or visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/gdot.

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The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued.  As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect.  The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body.  For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.