Image by Flickr user Eyebee

As part of the American Public Transportation Association’s Fifth Annual National “Dump the Pump” day, CARTA is encouraging area residents to leave their cars, trucks, and SUVs at home and take a ride the bus.

As part of “Dump the Pump,” CARTA will host live radio remotes throughout the day at four stops: the Superstop, the Meeting & Mary Streets, Citadel Mall, and the Super Kmart. At these locations, CARTA will give away prizes to riders who show their bus pass, as well as koozies, pencils and pens to raise awareness about riding public transit. Furthermore, any riders willing to give testimonials on why they choose to “Dump the Pump” will receive a free CARTA t-shirt.

Here's more on how CARTA will be celebrating national Dump the Pump day:

“’Dump the Pump’ day is an opportunity for more Charleston area residents to ride CARTA and see the benefits of public transportation first-hand,” said Howard Chapman, executive director of CARTA. “We encourage everyone to give CARTA a try!”Additionally, to celebrate “Dump the Pump” day and the launch of the CARTA Facebook page, CARTA will host a five-week Facebook contest beginning Thursday, June 17. The contest asks area residents to tell CARTA how they will “dump the pump” this summer – by riding CARTA, riding a bike, driving less or walking more, among other ways. Winners during each of the five weeks will receive a one-month CARTA Gold pass, good for all CARTA routes, and CARTA goodie bags. A Grand Prize winner and Runner Up will also receive CARTA Gold passes and gift cards to area stores. The Facebook contest will run through July 30th.

So there you have it, get on the bus and win some stuff!