‘Dump the Pump’ set for June 14

Laketran, along with public transportation systems nationwide, is participating in the 13th Annual National Dump the Pump Day June 14.

With the need to improve regional air quality, coupled with fluctuating gas prices, the local Dump the Pump event will be held at Painesville’s Veterans Park, alongside the Painesville Farmer’s Market.

Partnering with Painesville and Genevabased WKKY radio, Laketran will once again

encourage people to “Dump the Pump” to see and experience the benefits of using public transportation and biking.

“Every day should be Dump the Pump Day,” said Julia Schick, Laketran’s director of communications, who is coordinating the event for Laketran. “We recognize you can’t get everywhere in Lake County taking transit, but we want residents to consider ways they can reduce their automobile use, like taking the bus to the market, biking to work, walking to the swimming pool or (going) out for dinner. Every trip that you take without starting your car can make you healthier by reducing air pollution and being more physically active. We simply want people to think about alternatives to getting in their cars.

“The awareness event is being hosted at Painesville Farmer’s Market because it’s very accessible by transit, walking or biking, plus shopping and eating local are two other ways to benefit the greater community.”

The agency has made “dumping the pump” easier, too, over the last few years, recently launching new Rider Tools, including trip planning and realtime bus tracking available on the agency’s mobile app.

“We’ve put a lot of energy into technology to improve the rider experience and make it easier to try transit,” said Laketran Board President Brian Falkowski. “I encourage anyone interested in trying Laketran to stop out at the event to learn about the new free mobile app, Google Maps trip planning and the realtime tools available on our website.”

Anyone who rides Laketran to the event will have a chance to win a $50 Smart Card for future rides, the agency confirmed in a news release.

Laketran’s Annual Dump the Pump Celebration runs from noon to 4 p.m.

Visit laketran.com for more information.

SUBMITTED Riders board Laketran on the transit agency’s Route 6 at Shoregate in Willowick. Laketran is encouraging everyone to “Dump the Pump” on June 14 to ride, bike or walk to their destinations.