A new Lundberg survey says gas prices have increased an average of seventeen cents over the past two weeks. While they're lower than they were this time last year, drivers are still feeling the effects on their wallets.
As he fills his gas tank, Wade Hudson says, "It just really presses our budget when gas prices rise to this level. We travel less."

But, the Bay Town Trolley wants to change all that, at least on Thursday. Beth Coulliette, executive director of the Bay County Council on Aging, says, "The gas prices here right now, I can't imagine why people wouldn't try the trolley."

That's why they are offering you free rides on all trolleys Thursday for the fourth annual "Dump the Pump" Day. Riding the trolley on "Dump the Pump" Day will help you save money and help the environment.

Alan Gray, Bay Town Trolley transit planner, says, "It only takes us half the gas of a normal vehicle to get you around town, and a third of the gas to take a truck around town."

Trolley officials want to encourage you to give public transit a chance; but, some drivers don't need any convincing. Virginia Harrison says, "It gets me where I need to go. I actually do a window cleaning business and I ride the trolley to get to my jobs."

Officials say ridership has increased more than 67% over the last year. They attribute it at least partly to the poor economy and increased publicity. Either way, they say Thursday's free trolley rides will attract the crowds.

Coulliette says, "I'm hoping every trolley's going to be packed out."

During this year's "Dump the Pump" Day, officials are adding a business challenge. The business with the most employees riding the trolley will win prizes, like complimentary monthly passes.