Ventura County's Bus Operators to Offer Free Rides on Dump the Pump Day
Drivers frustrated by rising gas prices can save some cash by riding local public transit for free to celebrate Dump the Pump Day on Friday, June 17.
On Dump the Pump Day, drivers are encouraged to leave their vehicles at home and instead use public transportation such as buses and trains.
The Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) and the county’s other public transit operators will offer free bus rides during regular service hours on Dump the Pump Day.
Participating operators are:
- Camarillo Area Transit
- Gold Coast Transit District
- Moorpark City Transit
- Ojai Trolley
- Simi Valley Transit
- Thousand Oaks Transit
- Valley Express
- VCTC Intercity
Gold Coast Transit District (GCTD), the East County Transit Alliance (ECTA), Moorpark City Transit, Simi Valley Transit and Valley Express will also provide free Dial-A-Ride services that day.
On Dump the Pump Day, riders can take public transit for free to commute to work, to get to appointments and to run errands, or simply to go on an adventure.
“If you have never used public transit, now is the time to give it a try. Start with a scenic trip from Ventura to Ojai on Route 16 or reserve a ride on Late Night Safe Rides after clocking out from a late-night shift and get home safely. Easy and completely free,” said Vanessa Rauschenberger, GCTD’s general manager. “We continue to do everything we can to make transit service more efficient, reliable, and attractive for both our current riders and to attract new riders.”
Drivers who will be traveling outside of their local operators’ service area can easily connect with another service to continue their trip. The VCTC website includes a map of all the county’s public transit routes, public transit centers and transfer centers. Most local buses also include bike racks, so commuters can combine a bike ride and a bus trip.
VCTC Executive Director Martin Erickson said offering free fares on Dump the Pump Day is also a way to thank riders who already choose to utilize public transit.
“Taking the bus instead of driving means fewer vehicles on the road, which eases traffic congestion and reduces greenhouse gas emissions,” Erickson said. “We’re grateful to riders who already have incorporated public transit into their daily lives.”
For more information about public transit service or for help planning a trip, call the Regional Transit Information Center at 800-438-1112 or visit goventura.org.