The Lawrence Transit System will offer free rides on all its fixed-route buses Thursday, as part of National Dump the Pump Day.

The T is participating in the fourth-annual event to help boost awareness of transit opportunities and encourage wider use.

“We hope to encourage people to leave their cars at home and give public transit a try,” said Robert Nugent, the city’s transit administrator. “Taking the T instead of driving to work, school, shopping or an appointment can save money, save gas and keep our air cleaner.”

The event is organized by the American Public Transportation Association.

First-time riders of the T can ask bus drivers for assistance with transfers and explanations of timing points. For assistance with trip planning, call 312-7054 or visit LawrenceTransit.org for a route map and connection to a Google Trip Planner.