MTS hosts ‘Dump the Pump Day’ on June 19

Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) in San Diego will host a ‘Dump the Pump Day’ on, Thursday, June 19.

With gas prices on the rise, MTS says that people are seeking out public transportation as an alternative to driving.

On Thursday, June 19, between 6 and 9 a.m. for the morning commute, MTS ambassadors will assist new commuters ride MTS buses and trolleys.

To support the national “Dump the Pump Day”, MTS ambassadors will be located at the following Transit Centers:

• - Old Town Transit Center, at Old Town off Taylor Street
• - Fashion Valley Transit Center, south of Friars Road on Fashion Valley Road
• - Bayfront/E Street Transit Center at E Street and I-5 in Chula Vista
• - La Mesa Boulevard Trolley Station in downtown La Mesa

Ambassadors will help new riders plan their trip, how to use ticket vending machines or bus fare boxes, and how to transfer between buses and trolleys. It’s all an effort to show how public transportation can save money, as well as benefit the environment.
MTS, in conjunction with Coca-Cola and several local radio stations, will provide riders with opportunities to win prizes, including a free monthly pass for unlimited rides on MTS bus and trolley.

“Last year the American Public Transportation Association estimated that a family could save $6,200 a year by giving up one car and using public transportation,” says Paul Jablonski, Chief Executive Officer of the MTS. “With gas prices almost $1.50 a gallon higher than last year and still climbing, the savings is even greater.”

Adult passes are $64 a month for unlimited rides on most MTS buses and all trolleys. Day passes for unlimited rides are $5. Many of the MTS bus routes provide service every 15 minutes on weekdays. Trolley service at peak times is even more convenient with service on the Blue line every seven or eight minutes.

Ridership on MTS bus and trolley has climbed by more than five percent in the last year. It is on pace to establish a new ridership record of more than 90 million passengers this year.

“People are learning that public transportation is a viable alternative to driving,” Jablonski said. “They also know that it a green way to travel. Cars are the single worst contributor of green house gases. We run clean and efficient Compressed Natural Gas buses and zero-emission trolleys. You can save money and help save the planet by riding public transportation.”

For more information on MTS’ Dump the Pump Day or to plan a trip in advance, go to

1. There is an online trip planner, maps and timetables with all routes, a calculator to show how much money can be saved. Calling 511 can also provide travel information.

Google maps also has a new public transportation trip planning option.
Here is an example of using Google Maps Public Transportation Directions from The Light’s offices, 565 Pearl St., La Jolla, CA, to the Convention Center, 111 W Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA.