YOUNGSTOWN — The Western Reserve Transit Authority is joining hundreds of public transportation systems nationwide Thursday to celebrate the 21st annual National Dump the Pump Day.

Sponsored nationally by the American Public Transportation Association, the day emphasizes that choosing public transit over driving is a powerful, convenient way to save money, protect the environment and fuel local economic growth.

National Dump the Pump Day challenges drivers to leave their cars at home for at least one day and experience the benefits of public transit.

According to recent APTA data, individual households can save an average of more than $10,000 annually by switching their daily commute to public transportation and downsizing by just one vehicle. Beyond significant financial savings, public transit produces roughly 50% fewer carbon emissions per passenger mile than private vehicles, creating a cleaner, healthier community.

“National Dump the Pump Day is the perfect opportunity for people who don’t normally ride the bus to discover how easy, safe and cost-effective it is to leave the driving to us,” said Dean Harris, CEO of WRTA. “Reaching over 2 million rides a year shows the Valley increasingly trusts WRTA to get them where they need to go. Every trip represents money saved at the gas pump, fewer cars on our roads and a direct reinvestment into the economic vitality of the Mahoning Valley.”