May 30, 2008

CONTACT: Jenna Reedy, Business
Development Manager
Day: 849-0708
Fax: 848-4853
Email: jreedy@rabbittransit.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            

rabbittransit KICKS OFF DUMP THE PUMP MONTH WITH
GIVEAWAY AT SOVEREIGN STADIUM

York, PA – In an effort to raise awareness regarding transportation alternatives, rabbittransit announces June as “Dump the Pump Month”. The kick-off event will take place at Sovereign Stadium in York this Sunday during the York Revolution and Somerset Patriots game.  To promote the use of alternatives, rabbittransit will give away a new bicycle, a one-month pass and one 11-ride pass – all of which can be used for transportation on rabbittransit. Ten children from Head Start of York County, and their parents, will be on hand to help celebrate York County’s movement to promote budget and environmentally friendly solutions. The children will be participating in an on-field game of musical “run the bases” for a chance to win the prizes.

Dump the Pump Month is focused on encouraging people to ride public transportation systems to combat the high cost of fuel. “Everyone is asking if our ridership has increased because of the rising cost of gas,” explained Richard Farr, rabbittransit Executive Director. “We are seeing ridership increases of 4%, however, the reality is that we are not seeing the increases we could due to the fact that we don’t access many of the areas where demand for service is occurring.”  rabbittransit has experienced significant increases in the number of calls from people requesting more convenient pickup locations and times. 

Many people who are being affected by both the high gas and food prices see this switch to public transportation as an important savings opportunity for their families.

In an effort to help increase access to public transportation provided by rabbittransit, the York County Transportation Authority is launching a new area on the rabbittransit Web site next week called “rabbitrequest” – a place for people to request new services. The information provided will help the transit provider plan for the addition of new routes and enhanced schedules. Part of the planning process includes seeking additional federal, state and local funds.

“We want to capture all the requests for additional service coming in as a result of higher gas prices” explained Farr. “By filling out a survey and being counted, you can do your part to expedite the expansion of services in your area.” 

Dump the Pump Month Press Release: PDF | Word

rabbittransit, York County’s public transportation system, provides a variety of transportation services to the residents of York County. Nearly 6,000 people depend on rabbittransit each day to get to work, medical facilities, school and other life-sustaining activities. rabbittransit is dedicated to helping all York Countians get to where they want to go.

Head Start of York County is a Federal and State funded comprehensive child development program designed to meet the needs of pre-school children (ages 3-5) and their families.