The Schuylkill Transportation System will be offering free rides all day Thursday in honor of National Dump the Pump Day.
People will be able to ride the 10 "fixed route" buses for free.
"They can call here for any information," Mike Micko, STS executive director, said Monday.
Fixed route buses run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
The American Public Transportation Associated launched the first Dump The Pump Day in June 2006 after gas prices increased to $3 a gallon. Its purpose is to promote public transportation. A fact sheet from the organization said using public transportation saves money, contributes to jobs and has other benefits.
"Public transportation use in the United States saves 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually," according to the fact sheet.
This is the eighth annual Dump the Pump Day held nationally. STS has participated in the previous seven events.
Last year, there were 907 rides during Dump the Pump Day, Micko said, adding he did not have the actual number of people who rode the bus for the event.
Micko said riding the bus might be the only transportation for some people.
"We try to target those people who do not have access to an automobile," he said.
The base fare is $1.30. Senior citizens older than 65 ride free with proper identification, compliments of the Pennsylvania Lottery. Registration is required. Children ages 8 and under are free and ages 9 to 12 cost 50 cents.
Discounted bus fares are available. Monthly bus passes cost $50 and allows for unlimited rides. A half a month bus pass is $25 and is also unlimited. Visa and Mastercard are also accepted at Union Station for payment.
For additional information, call 800-832-3322 or 570-429-2701.
The national average cost of regular gas was $3.61 as of Monday, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report. In Pennsylvania, the average cost was $3.49 Monday, according to AAA.
