County residents can ride Schuylkill Transportation System fixed-route buses for free Thursday in honor of “Dump the Pump Day.”

Commissioners Gary J. Hess, George F. Halcovage and Chairman Frank J. Staudenmeier on Wednesday issued the ninth annual proclamation with STS Executive Director Mike Micko.The day “encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, revitalize communities, protect the environment, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and improve the quality of life for all Americans,” the proclamation reads.According to the proclamation, people who ride public transportation save an average of $10,174 a year, based on current gas prices, maintenance and parking costs.For information about the fixed-route system, visit

http://www.go-sts.com.