Free bus rides this week!

This Thursday you can dump the pump and ride to where you need to go for free!

Public transportation company "Transpo" is offering free rides to Mishawaka and South Bend and they want you to leave the car behind.

According to a Transpo spokesperson, it normally costs a dollar to ride the bus, but this Thursday all bus rides will be free. And people we spoke with say they appreciate the free ride.

 "Over the course of the year it can save several thousand dollars between not filling up your gas tank, maintenance on your car, and things of that nature" said Marketing Manager Jeannette Pancoast.

And regular public transportation users say they have nothing but good things to say about riding the bus. They said that since rides on Thursday are free, they want you to give it a shot.

"Take advantage, take advantage" said Otis Matbley

And his friend Zach Timberlake said, "I get down here, I get on my next bus, and I am happy."

Pubic transportation has been around in South Bend since 1885, but this is the first year Transpo is participating in National Dump the Pump Day. A company spokeswoman said they give rides to 2.5 million people a year, and expects to offer free rides again next year.

For more information go to www.SBTranspo.com.

Rides start on weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Saturdays, trips start at 7 a.m. and go until 6 p.m.