Rio Vista is participating in National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday by providing free rides on all routes through the Rio Vista Delta Breeze.

To save on rising gas prices, commuters and travelers are encouraged to ditch their vehicles and ride transit. Public transportation officials started this annual event nationwide in June 2006 to promote public transit as a good travel alternative, according to Rio Vista officials.

"Using transit saves us money, but it also helps clean up the air, and that also saves us money in reduced public health impacts and costs," Rio Vista Transit and Airport Coordinator John Andoh said. "We encourage our riders to drive less and to walk, bike and use transit."

Rio Vista Delta Breeze serves riders within the city and Isleton with intercity services to Fairfield, Antioch, Pittsburg/Bay Point BART and Suisun City. It also connects to other regional transit systems.

One participant in Dump the Pump Day will win a free intercity bus pass for July along every afternoon route. More information can be obtained by calling 707-374-2878 or checking out www.deltabreeze.org.