NATIONAL DUMP THE PUMP DAY
NATIONAL DUMP THE PUMP DAY
Observed annually on the third Thursday in June, National Dump the Pump encourages people to leave their cars in the driveway and ride public transportation, biking, walking, or carpooling, instead of driving. This is one awareness holiday that balances smart financial decisions and helps the environment, too!
#NationalDumpthePumpDay
Let's face it, gas prices are high and the economy is tight. It makes perfect sense to have a good alternative and an economical way to save money. According to transit data, an individual can save an average of $10,000 to $13,000 a year by switching to public transit and living with one less car. Public transportation may be the answer to why parking your care is the way to go.
Public transportation in the U.S. saves an estimated 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. A single person switching their daily commute to public transit can reduce their household carbon footprint by up to 30%.
Dump the Pump Day is an effective way to put money back into your wallet and help do your part in protecting the environment. You don't even have to be a hardcore environmentalists to make a difference. Just make a simple decision to dump the pump to show them how much money you can save on gas and car repairs for a year. In fact, communities who use public transit see higher property values and more robust local economies because businesses are more accessible.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Since this National Dump the Pump Day falls on a Thursday, it is perfectly primed for a weekday commuter challenge. Here is how you can get involved:
Challenge yourself to commute to work, the grocery store, or a coffee shop using the city bus, subway, or light rail.
If your commute is short enough, strap on a helmet and turn your morning drive into a morning workout by biking. Walking is another alternative to try!
Team up with a coworker who lives nearby and pick each other up for work. Passengers can take turns driving each week to make it "fair".
If your company allows hybrid or remote work, make the third Thursday in June your dedicated working from home to completely eliminate your commute.
Use an online transit calculator to see exactly how much money you could save over a month or a year by dumping the pump just one or two days a week. Use those savings for a vacation or some badly needed home improvements.
Be sure to share your alternative commute photos on social media using the official hashtag: #DumpThePumpDay.
NATIONAL DUMP THE PUMP DAY HISTORY
National Dump the Pump Day was established in June 2006 by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). APTA launched the National Dump the Pump Day as a public service campaign to prove that public transportation is not only a great way to help the planet, but it is also a powerful way to save money. The day is designed to show people that they have options outside of sitting in traffic and watching their hard-earned money tick away at the gas pump.
DATES
June 18, 2026
June 17, 2027
June 15, 2028
June 21, 2029