Free Red Rabbit rides Thursday

GAINESVILLE - The fifth annual Dump the Pump Day will be observed Thursday and Gainesville Red Rabbit is once again participating.

Dump the Pump Day is designed to encourage motorists to park their cars for a day and try public transportation. The slogan of this year's campaign is "Dump the Pump. Save Money. Ride Transit."

Started in June 2006 when gas prices were $3 per gallon, the campaign annually emphasized that "public transportation is a great travel option that also helps people save money."

According to the latest APTA Transit Savings Report, individuals in a two-person household can save an average of more than $9,000 annually by downsizing to one car.