Lawrence Transit System will offer free rides Thursday as part of a national “Dump the Pump” event designed to encourage people to use public transportation.

Usually, rides on the T cost 50 cents. Lawrence Transit System leaders said they hoped the free event would show first-time riders how the T can be used as an alternative to personal vehicles.

Additional information about the transit system, including route maps, can be found at www.lawrencetransit.org.