Showers Douse 'Dump The Pump Day'

BROOKSVILLE - Ridership on THE Bus didn't spike on Thursday, but officials say at least a few dozen new riders gave the system a try.

THE Bus participated in a nationwide campaign called Dump the Pump Day, in which local governments and transit organizations urge residents to give up their cars for a day and try mass transit.

On Thursday, THE Bus saw 636 riders, said Mary Stahl, marketing and outreach coordinator for TransHernando. That's less than the daily average of about 700.

Stahl said early morning showers may have turned off some new and regular riders, but Stahl estimates the campaign helped bring in some new riders.

Riders filled out entry forms to win prizes ranging from coolers to tote bags, and 34 of the forms noted they were first-time riders, Stahl said.

There were likely more new riders who didn't fill out a form, she said.