"It's too much, and I'm thinking of walking everywhere -- within reason," she said Friday afternoon. "A lot of people I know are."

Red Rose Transit Authority has a better solution.

In response to rising gas prices, RRTA announced Friday it will participate in National Dump the Pump Day Thursday. Public transportation systems across the country hope to encourage motorists to leave their vehicles at home and use public transit on that day.

"With gasoline prices at record levels, many Americans are finding that mobility is becoming unaffordable," said Dave Kilmer, RRTA executive director. "Public transit is the quickest way to beat high gas prices."

Kilmer said the organizations involved with Dump the Pump Day want to demonstrate that public transit offers the quickest, easiest alternative to the high cost of driving.

"Using public transportation regularly can save a person between $300 and $3,000 in fuel costs per year," Kilmer said. "Those savings could be used for necessities, like food, medicine or help pay for a dream family vacation."

National Dump the Pump Day is sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association, a nonprofit association of more than 1,600 member organizations, including almost 400 public transit agencies.

RRTA is collaborating with two other organizations that promote alternate modes of transportation -- The Air Quality Partnership of the Susquehanna Valley and Commuter Services of South Central PA. Both groups are supporting Dump the Pump and the Share the Ride campaign, in which employers are encouraged to ask their employees to consider car pooling.

And while Kilmer thinks giving up one's car for a day is a good idea, he realizes some people may not want to abandon their vehicles -- even temporarily.

"Americans love their cars, there's no doubt about that," he said. "Sometimes it's hard to tell if people are outraged about gas prices."

Daniel Flowers of Lancaster said he doesn't like inflated gas prices, but he likes driving his own car too much to give it up.

"I drive an Acura, and I haven't stopped driving it because of gas prices," he said. "It bothers me, but I'm not going to stop driving my car."

His friend, Franklin & Marshall student Jonathan Hughes, said he'll consider "dumping the pump" for a day -- as a "trial run."

"I might like taking the bus," he said. "It may be better than hitting the potholes around here in my old Dodge Neon."

According to APTA, as gasoline prices have increased, public transit systems across the United States are seeing an increase in ridership, which helps reduce traffic congestion and is a good example to those trying to beat oil addiction.

"Our radio ads for Dump the Pump will start next week," Kilmer said. "We really believe in this program."

He said if all goes well Thursday, he'd like to arrange similar public transportation days that encourages residents to leave their cars at home.

"I'm hoping Dump the Pump is popular," he said. "But we'll see. I have my fingers crossed."

RRTA's base fare is $1.25 per trip. A Base Zone Monthly Pass, which is based on 40 one-way trips, costs $29.

For more information on fares or Dump the Pump Day, contact Red Rose Transit Authority at 397-5613.