HARRISBURG - Rides Mass Transit District, the largest rural public transportation provider in Illinois, will mark National Dump the Pump Day Thursday by encouraging southern Illinoisans to use public transportation.
The buses of Rides Mass Transit District travel nearly 3.7 million miles each year and transport nearly 686,000 residents annually.
"We pride ourselves in providing a service for the residents of the communities in which our buses travel," said RMTD CEO Bill Jung. "Individuals and families rely on public transportation in their daily routines, and especially serving rural areas. We are honored to be able to get people to-and-from their destinations in a safe and timely fashion."
Public transportation also has a positive impact in the community. Studies suggest for every $1 invested in public transit, $4 in returns can be seen in the local economy.
Residents are able to use RMTD services to shop, travel to work, school and medical appointments, as well as to connect to other forms of mass transit.
"Our staff continues to remain committed in serving the residents of the region," Jung said. "It's a great feeling when you can see how public transit can connect people to where they need to go, and give them an opportunity to purchase goods and services in their towns."
More information about the services available can be found by accessing ridesmtd.com or by contacting the local RMTD operation center.
