Take a break from high gas prices and traffic congestion by riding MARTA on Thursday, June 21 in celebration of the 7th annual national Dump the Pump Day. MARTA is once again joining the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and transit agencies around the country to encourage people to save time, money and the environment by taking transit.

The latest APTA Transit Savings Report shows that a two person household in Atlanta that downsizes to one car can save, on average, more than $9,000 a year. This estimate is based on current gas prices, monthly parking rates, and a person purchasing a 30-day Breeze pass.

Each day, MARTA helps to take over 100,000 cars off the road – relieving traffic congestion and improving the region’s air quality. For more information about Dump the Pump, visit www.itsmarta.com.

Collin Kelley is the executive editor of Atlanta Intown, Georgia Voice, and the Rough Draft newsletter. He has been a journalist for nearly four decades and is also an award-winning poet and novelist.