Leonardtown, MD – The week of May 14 – 19 marks the 66th National Transportation Week celebration. The week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about public transportation and its benefits by encouraging citizens to utilize public transit systems. On May 16, 1957, Congress approved the third Friday in May each year as National Defense Transportation Day. In 1962, Congress updated the request to include the whole week as National Transportation Week to celebrate the community of transportation professionals who keep our country moving. In recognition to the important work of transportation professionals, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County has declared National transportation Week in the county.

Back on March 10, the American Public Transportation Association launched the “Where Public Transportation Goes, Community Grows” campaign, which seeks to effectively brand public transportation in today’s realities and reposition efforts to communicate to the wider community about public transportation.

“Special events scheduled throughout the week include distribution of STS passenger appreciation items to transit bus riders on May 14 – 15, Veterans Ride-All-Day for a Dollar Events on May 16 – 17, Driver of the Year recognition on May 17, Ride-All-Day for a dollar promotion days on May 18 – 19 to encourage transit ridership,” said Commissioner Todd Morgan (4th District). “STS Bus Driver / Mechanic Crew Appreciation Day on May 17 and “Stuff the Bus” events on May 19 will help replenish local food banks with non-perishable foods.”

The St. Mary’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation plans to celebrate the American Public Transportation Association’s 13th annual “National Dump the Pump Day” on June 21.

Commissioners say National Transportation Week provides a great opportunity for all citizens to use public transportation as it is an important part of our nation’s transportation system and provides an affordable and, for many, a necessary alternative to driving.

Images courtesy of the St. Mary’s County Public Information Office