Tuesday is National Dump the Pump Day. Traditionally that means local transit agencies would encourage residents to use public transit instead of their cars for the day.
That’s what the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is doing. Sort of.
PSTA is teaming up with Ferg’s to celebrate the day with a “Dunk the Pump” event at Ferg’s sports bar across from Tropicana Field.
PSTA officials and staff members will dress up like a gas pump, sit in a dunk tank and let passers-by try to sink them into the cold water below.
The idea is to “encourage people to hang up their keys and ride public transportation,” according to a PSTA press release.
The agency sought to find a creative new way to do that.
PSTA is inviting members of the media to join in and take the plunge. Patrons at Ferg’s can choose to either dunk someone else or hop in the tank themselves.
Those who “dump the pump” will win a free bus pass. Though the pass isn’t specified for a specific day, winners are encouraged to use it this Thursday, the day of the national event.
The dunking will ensue Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. before the Rays take the field against the Washington Nationals.
