CARTA seeks to set ridership record on National Dump the Pump Day

PARTNERS ON JUNE 21 INCLUDE HOLY SPOKES, AFFORDABIKE AND MORE

CHARLESTON, S.C. (MAY 15, 2018) – The time for talk is done. On Thursday, June 21, everyone in the Lowcountry can do something about traffic congestion – even if it’s just for one day.

How? The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is leading local efforts to encourage alternative travel methods on National Dump the Pump Day — and the authority will also seek to set a single-day ridership record of more than 20,000.

“CARTA has been steadily improving its efficiency, fleet, amenities and technology,” said CARTA board chairman Mike Seekings. “Dump the Pump Day is the perfect time for residents to give the system a try. We think they’ll like what they find, and we think it will lead to sustained ridership increases.”

CARTA National Dump the Pump Day efforts include:

• Dump the Pump Pledge: If you’re going to Dump the Pump, put it in writing by signing the Dump the Pump Pledge at ridecarta.com/dumpthepump. Then share it with friends.

• Dump the Pump Social Media Contest: Signing the Dump the Pump Pledge is also the first step to winning some fabulous prizes. Here’s how it works:

  • Sign the pledge.

  • Download the CARTA-endorsed Transit App in the Apple Store or Google Play.

  • Document your day-of trip with photos on social media using the hashtag. #DumpthePumpCHS

  • The giveaway will be hosted on the CARTA Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts and the winner will be chosen by CARTA staff. (Rides on the TriCounty Link system are eligible for entry, as well.)

  • The prize package includes:

    • A brand-new Charleston Chariot bicycle from Dump the Pump partner Affordabike (valued at $250)

    • A year-long CARTA “Golden Ticket” pass

    • A $50 giftcard to the restaurant HoM and more.

• LowcountryGo: A free, web-based program available to those who want a better way to commute in the Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester region. That could mean bus, carpool, vanpool, biking, walking and more.

Those who want to dump the pump can review routes and schedules at ridecarta.com and download the Transit App in the Apple Store or Google Play to help with planning trips and and tracking buses. The timing for Dump the Pump also couldn’t be better: gas prices have increased locally by nearly 30 cents per gallon in three months.

CARTA provides free WiFi and bike racks on buses. Regular fares are just $2 one-way. Express rates are $3.50 and both the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) and Hospitality on Peninsula (HOP) shuttle are free.

“There are really no excuses,” Seekings said. “The Transit app makes it easy, and we’re simply asking people to give CARTA a try for one day and see where it goes from there.”

About National Dump the Pump Day

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2018 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation and to take them where they need to go, instead of driving a car.  Started in June 2006 when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this national day emphasizes that public transportation is a convenient travel option that also helps people save money.

About CARTA

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit to the Charleston community through fixed routes, Tel-A-Ride/demand service and express routes. For the latest on CARTA, visit www.ridecarta.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RideCARTA. All customers are encouraged to download Transit​, the CARTA-approved app, in Google Play or the App Store. Next arrivals can be obtained by calling or texting (843) 202-4410.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Daniel Brock
Rawle Murdy Associates
(919) 820-2612
dbrock@rawlemurdy.com