Dump the Pump Day is Thursday, June 21

The seventh annual Dump the Pump Day is this Thursday, June 21. This is a day that emphasizes the environmental and economic benefits of public transit.

Each year, public transportation reduces the nation’s carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons. If one person with a 20 mile round trip commute switched to public transit, they could reduce his or her daily carbon emissions by 20 lbs or more than 4,800 lbs annually. Taking public transportation additionally decreases congestion costs as well as gallons of fuel used.

Port Authority is committed to environmental sustainability and uses the latest diesel engine technology that has reduced particulate matter emissions by 96%. In addition, Port Authority has 32 hybrid buses in its fleet which help alleviate air and noise pollution. We urge you to recognize the benefits of public transit and ride the bus, T or incline on National Dump the Pump Day this Thursday, June 21.

For more information on Dump the Pump Day, visit the American Public Transportation Association’s website at www.apta.com. For information on what Port Authority is doing to stay green, visit our Sustainability webpage.

Headlines: The Future of Port Authority...by Port Authority

Lately, Post-Gazette's "The Next Page" column has featured several pieces dealing with public transportation. The Post-Gazette recently invited Port Authority staffers to author their own piece explaining how we've tried to improve the system, what challenges we've faced and what's next. Read all about it in "The Future of Port Authority...by Port Authority."

Hybrids Meet Hip-Hop: Free Concert on Monday, August 9

Local hip-hop group Formula412 will hold a free live concert this Monday, August 9 at the Cabaret Theater at Theater Square, Downtown Pittsburgh, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Before the live performance, Formula412 will debut a Public Service Announcement (PSA) filmed on one of Port Authority's 28 hybrid buses. The PSA incorporates Formula412's new song "Gotsta Give," which features eco-conscious lyrics.

The concert is free and open to the public, and is part of The Sprout Fund's Spring Program Biodiversity Symposium, a gathering of community leaders, environmental experts and engaged citizens

For more information visit Formula412's website at www.say412.com or www.sproutfund.org/spring.

Take the Earth Day Challenge

President Obama is calling on all Americans to help make their communities greener and healthier this Earth Day, April 22.

There are many things you can do to take action on Earth Day, including choosing public transit. Across the country, public transportation reduces carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons annually – equivalent to the electricity used by 4.9 million households. And over a year, transit use saves 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline.

If you normally commute in your car, try our Trip Planner or Google Maps to see if there’s transit available along your route. Or check out our Park and Ride map for options near you. You also might consider trying an Earth-friendly intermodal commute – combining public transit, biking and/or walking.

Of course, if you’re reading this blog, you may already make your regular commute to work or school on the bus or T. But you might consider taking transit for other purposes. Let’s say you live in Shadyside and want to go to the movies. Instead of going by car, you could try the new 75 Ellsworth route to SouthSide Works.

Want to know what your carbon reduction will be if you take public transit? Check out the American Public Transportation Association’s Carbon Savings Calculator.

There are lots of other ideas for Earth Day activities – including volunteer opportunities – at www.whitehouse.gov/EarthDay and lots more information on the benefits of transit on our Web site.

150 Years of Streetcars

There's still time to make it to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum's 150 Years of Pittsburgh Streetcars celebration. The anniversary event -- "From Horse Cars to Hybrids" -- kicked off Thursday and runs through Sunday. The doors are open 10-5 daily. Port Authority CEO Steve Bland participated in a cake-cutting ceremony Thursday along with museum officials.

The event marks the 150th anniversary of Pittsburgh's first horse car line, which began operating along Penn Avenue on Aug. 6, 1859. Visitors will get a rare look inside the only preserved Pittsburgh horse car and learn a bit about life during that era. Other streetcars are on display as is a Port Authority hybrid bus -- demonstrating the progression of public transportation.

More than 24,000 people visited the museum in 2008. The building covers 28,000 square feet and houses nearly 30 electric railway passenger, freight and work cars from the region.

For more info, call 724-228-9256 or visit http://www.pa-trolley.org/.