Public Transportation Use Increasing As Gas Prices Soar
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- As gas prices edge higher, people are finding other ways to get around. In Maryland and across the country, a significantly higher number are using public transportation.
Kai Jackson has a closer look at the trend here at home.
Like many Americans, Baltimoreans are using public transportation in an effort to save money wherever they can.
The numbers are out about public transportation in America, and they're nothing short of jaw-dropping. Americans took 10.4 billion trips on public transportation in 2011. With skyrocketing gas prices, light rail, the train, subway or bus are cost-saving options consumers are using in growing numbers.
In Maryland, the MTA says ridership of public transportation is up 10 percent.
"People are looking at public transit as a way to get where they're going and we think that's a testament to the job that we're doing in trying to provide better service," said Terry Owens, MTA.
Riding public transportation comes with its own cost. On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on a $109 billion transportation bill.
In many areas, gas prices are more than $4 a gallon and consumers are looking for any way to save money.
"I do from time to time, whenever my wife takes the car---we share a car. Whenever my wife takes the car to work, I take the bus," said Chris Wise.
This data was compiled by the American Public Transportation Association.
