Stillwater , Okla. – Monday, September 18 th , starts off the first day in a week long event to raise awareness of alternative modes of transportation to the OSU campus and around the Stillwater community. The week of Sept. 18 th through the 22 nd is OSU's Dump the Pump week encouraging citizens to save on gas and reduce parking demand and reduce petroleum needs.

Dump the Pump week will also be the launch of OSU Parking and Transit Services' OPTIONS program. OPTIONS highlights walking, bike riding, carpooling, park-n-ride, and THE BUS as alternative modes of transportation. The culmination of Dump the Pump week will be the annual THE BUS Roadeo on Saturday September 23 rd held in OSU Parking Lot 74 north of the Colvin Center on Hall of Fame from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

While gas prices have recently dipped from their high of almost three dollars about a month ago, reliance on foreign oil remains an issue throughout our country. An American Public Transportation Association study found that if Americans used public transportation for roughly 10 percent of daily travel needs, the United States would reduce its dependence on imported oil from the Persian Gulf by more than 40 percent. “'Dump the Week” is a national effort to bring awareness regarding ways to have mobility in a community and not rely on high gas prices to get you there,” said Hugh E. Kierig, AICP, Director of the Parking and Transit Services Department at OSU.

But Dump the Pump Week is about more than riding THE BUS, Stillwater 's Community Transit System. The week will highlight the advantages of walking and riding a bike around town or using carpools or park and ride to commute to work. “The OPTIONS program is really that, raising awareness for people throughout OSU and Stillwater of alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle”, said Kierig.

So, during this week leave your car at home, invite a friend or co-worker to join you, - walk to meetings, ride your bike, carpool, or ride THE BUS and participate in Dump the Pump Week. More information can be found at the Parking and Transit Services web site www.parking.okstate.edu . Remember – you have OPTIONS!

For more information about THE BUS and its available services, contact Transit Services at 744-2832 or visit www.transit.okstate.edu .

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