CityBus offers free rides, lunch Thursday, June 17

Green is the theme as CityBus offers free rides all day Thursday, June 17, on all its routes. It’s also serving free lunch to the public, compliments of Subway, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riehle Plaza.

“‘Dump the Pump’ Day is all about green—the ‘green’ in dollars that regular riders will save over operating a car, and the positive impact that using public transportation has on the green movement to protect our environment,” said John Metzinger, CityBus director of development, at a news conference at CityBus on Monday, June 14.

“By giving free rides, we’re highlighting the environmental positives of public transportation, the savings riders will realize, and the ease and comfort of using CityBus,” Metzinger said. “A two-person family can save $9,293 annually by not owning a second car. Now, that’s green. And it’s just the beginning of the benefits CityBus provides.”

Benefits to the environment include making a measurable contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, which pollute the air, and reducing U.S. fuel consumption. “And riders enjoy easy access to CityBus, comfortable rides, late-night service and extended routes,” Metzinger said.

To illustrate his environmental point, Metzinger was surrounded by energy-efficient items. “Local residents are working hard to curb their carbon footprint, the measure of the impact their activities have on the environment in terms of greenhouse gases produced, which are measured in units of carbon dioxide,” he said. “Many people are using energy-efficient light bulbs, adjusting their thermostats for low consumption, adding insulation to better weatherize their homes, and purchasing Energy Star rated refrigerators and other appliances. These are all great steps. But, combined, all of these efforts still don’t add up to the impact possible when you use public transportation. That’s how ‘green’ CityBus is,” he said.

“If you’re already a daily rider, this free day is a thank-you,” Metzinger said. “If you usually drive a car for your daily commute, we invite you to take a free ride on Dump the Pump day to experience the full benefits of using CityBus.”

Jonathan Beever, who was born in Lafayette when his father was a veterinary student at Purdue and returned four years ago for his own graduate studies, joined Metzinger for the news conference.

“An efficient and high-profile public transportation system is an essential element for any sustainable community,” Beever said. “Participation decreases cost of automobile ownership, decreases overall automotive emissions, provides a public service and strengthens community bonds.”

Since moving here in 2006, CityBus has been part of his daily routine. “It was one of the biggest draws for me, when deciding where to live,” Beever said. “Whether it’s commuting to the university for work or taking the trolley downtown to meet friends, I find CityBus to be a convenient, cost-effective and lower-impact option for transportation. It’s not only a great alternative to driving, but it’s also a very prominent symbol: a strong public transportation systems tells the wider public that its community is thriving, responsible and environmentally aware.”

Beever noted that he put just over 5,000 miles on his car last year, less than 420 miles a month and nearly 7,000 fewer miles per year than the average American. “Instead of getting in the car for work every morning, I walk across the street and jump on the bus. Having a daily alternative to driving saves me money but it also cuts down on my impact on the environment,” he said.

Beever encourages others to ride CityBus. “It is something small we each can do to demonstrate our commitment to preserve and sustain the community that we all have a hand in building.”

Dump the Pump is a nationwide campaign coordinated by the American Public Transportation Association. Many cities across the U.S. are participating this year.

CityBus also offers youth passes that can save parents on the costs of driving their children to their summer activities. Children through sixth grade ride free; youth in 7^th through 12^th grades can obtain an annual pass for $1 at CityBus by showing a recent report card or other enrollment information.

CityBus operates a fleet of 70 buses, including 11 hybrid buses, with four new hybrids coming online this summer. CityBus route information is available at www.gocitybus.com or 742-RIDE.

The mission of CityBus is to be a proactive community partner, striving to improve the community’s quality of life by operating safe, reliable and environmentally friendly transit services, by partnering in local economic development and sustainable development activities, and by providing excellent customer service and efficient, convenient access to destinations throughout Lafayette and West Lafayette.