Contact: Kevin Elwood
Phone: 336-412-6309

GTA Invites You to 'Heckle the Pump' this Summer

GREENSBORO, NC – (June 16, 2010) – In support of the American Public Transportation Association’s national “Dump the Pump Day” on Thursday, June 17, Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) invites the public to take their best humor shot at the pump. Consumers can submit their funniest joke about the gas pump, fuel prices, or the automobile to a GTA-sponsored contest. Submissions are accepted on GTA's website at www.ridegta.com and can be sent via Twitter @gtaheat. All styles such as knock-knock jokes and puns will be considered. All jokes, however, must be appropriate for all audiences or they will not be considered.

The winner with the best joke receives a fuel-free weekend, which consists of admission to the Idiot Box Comedy Club, dinner at Natty Greene’s Restaurant, admission to the North Carolina Zoo, and passes each of these destinations on GTA and PART Express. Also, to share the winner’s comedic talent with the world, the winning joke may be posted on several GTA transit buses later in the summer.

Meanwhile, Greensboro automobile commuters are asked to consider using public transportation in place of the vehicle June 17 and throughout the summer whenever possible, as traffic congestion, ozone levels, and gas prices possibly spike to new highs. GTA offers a viable alternative to personal driving with 24 routes and connectors, more than 1,100 bus stops and a growing fleet of new, comfortable buses. Reasonable rates and several discount programs make riding GTA easy on the wallet. Each bus offers accessibility for persons with disabilities, bicycle racks, and other rider-friendly amenities. Using GTA also offers access across the city, Triad and nation at the J. Douglas Galyon Depot, housing PART Express, Carolina Trailways, Greyhound, and Amtrak.

For information on making a trip on GTA, call the customer service number at 336-335-6499. For more information on the contest or Dump the Pump Day, visit GTA’s website at www.ridegta.com or call 336-412-6309.

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The City works with the community to improve the quality of life for residents through inclusion, diversity, and trust. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a professional staff of 2,800 employees who maintain the values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City is governed by a council-manager form of government with a mayor and eight council members. For more information on the City, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov or call 373-CITY (2489).