More People Encouraged to Use the T

In a move to encourage people not yet on public transportation to get on board, MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas today announced a ridership campaign to further sway non-riders onto the system. With rising fuel costs, MBTA ridership has grown 6.2 percent since January. To maintain the upturn in ridership, transportation officials are focusing on automobile drivers, and encouraging people to take public transportation throughout the day and during non – peak hours.

The ridership campaign, launching the week of June 16th, includes a web-promo at mbta.com; billboards around the metro Boston area; a wrapped commuter rail train (a first for the MBTA) operating on south side commuter rail lines; and radio ads. All elements position the MBTA as a smart commuting choice when compared to increasing gas prices.

Touting the benefits of the ridership campaign, General Manager Grabauskas said, “Using billboards, radio announcements, and visuals to encourage drivers out of their vehicles and onto public transportation, we hope to capture a brand new audience unaware of the cost savings available by taking the T. We are urging people seeking alternatives to the high costs at the pump to pick up a CharlieCard, and take advantage of the many benefits the CharlieCard provides.”

In addition to the campaign, General Manager Grabauskas announced the T’s participation in the Third Annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 19. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2008 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation to help improve the environment and to conserve gasoline. U.S. public transportation systems help to create a healthier environment by reducing smog-producing pollutants and greenhouses gases. Public transportation produces nearly 50 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx), per passenger mile, as private vehicles.

“We are encouraging people to take the T on National Dump The Pump Day to see for themselves that public transportation is a viable alternative to driving,” said Grabauskas. “From gas savings, to leaner parking costs, to a cleaner environment --- It’s A No Brainer, Dump The Pump!”