By Amy Rowley
We live 20 minutes from downtown Olympia and make a conscious effort to combine trips, carpool with friends, and drive our electric car daily, leaving our gas guzzlers sitting in the driveway.
But, I know I can still do a better job of driving less and that any decision I make to consume less gas results in savings to my pocketbook.
On three days over the next month, Intercity Transit will give Thurston County residents an opportunity to learn how driving less saves you money.
In support of the national “Dump the Pump” campaign, Intercity Transit is partnering with local community organizations to educate residents.
This nationwide effort encourages people to ride the bus, vanpool, carpool, walk, or bicycle instead of driving alone.
Here are just a few things you can do at a “Dump the Pump” event:
- Find partners to carpool or vanpool with.
- Pick up walking and bike maps.
- Learn how to use Intercity Transit’s online trip planner.
- Practice putting your bicycle on the bus.
- Get information about bus routes and schedules.
“Some people already share the ride ,” says Intercity Transit’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator Donna Feliciano. “But, even if you already ride the bus, you can ride it more often, skip trips, or encourage others to join you.”
Feliciano was also quick to point out that sharing the ride doesn’t have to be an “all or nothing” occurrence. Instead, she suggests you can start out by leaving your car at home just one day a week. “Or, plan ahead and combine errands into one trip,” she says.
“The events emphasize that public transportation helps our wallets and the environment in a big way, reduces congestion, and decreases our dependence on fossil fuels,” continues Feliciano.
Bike to work on a summer day. Find a bus route to work or errands. Take the bus to grab lunch. All these options will keep dollars in your wallet.
Stop by one of these events and learn a new way to get around. Take it one step further and bring a friend!.
Drive Less. Save Cash! Events
Wednesday, June 19
11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Heritage Park in downtown Olympia
Wednesday, June 26
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tumwater Farmers Market at the corner of Israel Road & Capitol Blvd
Wednesday, July 10
11:30 am – 1:30 pm (during Lacey In Tune concert)
Huntamer Park at intersection of Woodland Square Loop & 7th Ave SE in Lacey
For more information, visit intercitytransit.com.
