CATA riders will have a free pass to all 21 buses Thursday in celebration of the fifth annual Dump the Pump Day.

The nationwide celebration is sponsored by the American Transportation Association and is designed to encourage people to conserve energy costs by riding public transportation.

The Centre Area Transportation Association (CATA) has been participating in the event every year, but this is only the second year they’ve made their buses fee-free. CATA Marketing Manager Jacqueline Sheader said she hopes the free rides will entice newcomers to hop on board.

“If people ever questioned if they wanted to ride the bus, today would be the day to do it,” Sheader said. “It really provides a good opportunity for anyone that just wanted to try it.”

Sheader said there will also be an open house at CATA’s downtown office, 108 E. Beaver Ave., from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. that will provide free refreshments and information on CATA’s service.

For more information on the event or to view statistics on gasoline conservation visit CATA’s website at www.CATAbus.com or call (814)238-CATA.