Gas Prices Pushing People to Mass Transit

PlusGas Prices Pushing People to Mass TransitGas Prices Pushing People to Mass TransitThe Associated PressAround the country, transit officials say high gas prices are pushing more people onto trains and buses. The current spike has some wondering whether they can continue to accommodate new riders. (June 3)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] [Notes:ga transit--marta trains moving]Across the country, more people are riding trains and buses. [Notes:ga traffic]Steadily rising gas prices have done what traffic congestion and long commutes have failed to do--turned more drivers into riders.(SOT: SARAH CARLSON/RIDES PUBLIC TRANSIT)(4;22) I HAVE BEEN RIDING MARTA FOR THREE MONTHS STRAIGHT BECAUSE GAS PRICES ARE REALLY HIGH. I'M TRYING TO SAVE MONEY. In Atlanta, the transit system saw a seven-percent jump in passengers in April, compared to a year ago. From the Peach State... [Notes:Dallas nats trains]To Dallas-- [Notes:ca mass transit nats trains] To San Francisco-- [Notes:more train nats]Mass transit systems see the same trend.(SOT: NO NAME)(1:42) I THINK IT'S A NECESSITY. I THINK THERE'S REALLY NO WAY TO GET AROUND THESE EXHORBITANT PRICES WITHOUT TAKING SOME KIND OF MASS TRANSIT, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. The American Public Transportation Association says use of public transportation rose two percent in 2007. In just the first three months of this year, it's increased three percent over the same time last year. [Notes:il rush hour-- nats of traffic] At the same time--the number of miles Americans drive dropped slightly last year--the first time since 1980 that it hasn't increased. In March of this year, it dropped four-percent compared to last year. [Notes:DALLAS](SOT: BEVERLY MCKEE)(10:46) IT'S VERY TOUGH RIGHT NOW. WITH GAS PRICES BEING $4 A GALLON IT DOES DIG PRETTY DEEP INTO A PERSON'S POCKET.The transit agency in Dallas has plans to double the size of it's rail system over the next six years, but that won't help with the crush of new passengers that's happening now. Like other systems, Dart is encouraging people to ride a little earlier or a little later to avoid the busiest travel times.(SOT: MORGAN LYONS/DART SPOKESMAN)(20:43) WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT CURRENT CUSTOMERS KNOW THAT THERE'S ROOM FOR THEM. AND THAT THE NEW CUSTOMERS HAVE THE INFORMATION THEY NEED TO MAKE THAT DECISION TO TRY AND USE US. [Notes:nats of metro] The solution isn't so easy for transit officials in the nation's capitol. Metro predicted that train overcrowding would become a crisis by 2015--a prediction made before the dramatic run up in gas prices.(METRO BITE?)The increased use of trains and buses actually takes money away from transit funding. Much of it comes from the gas tax. That leaves some agencies wondering how--and if--they can pay for more service.Matt Friedman, the Associated Press.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• gas
• prices_mass_transit
• pushing
• mass
• transit

[victor2cutube]

alternative energy has been suppressed by corporations and the government. If there was mass transit here I'd love to use it. get rid of cars and build mass transit.

[watchinginaz]

Just have to bring your damn anti-americanism into a thread. anti-american swine

[Streetcar1743]

Really with driving alone, you are paying for more than just gas. Taking mass transit really saves big. Both on auto bills and the environment.

[Jesus45U]

OH NOES ... Some people take the train now, it must be a disaster !!!1!!!one!!!

[smtlive]

Go from NY to LA for less the $20

The future of the bullet transportation is here now

smtrail.com

[fireofenergy]

We should block ALL U.S. drilling and save it for DOMESTIC STRATEGIC RESERVES only (You know, like for the farmers when food is in short supply because easy oil had all of a sudden been sucked up by all the other ever expanding countries)...

This means we have to "go closed cycle nuclear based on thorium fission in molten salt reactors" (or LFTR for short) and electric cars... That tech is now! We only have to (possibly) perfect the battery tech...

[Twigboyone]

Gas prices are going to sky rocket again,pass the word we all need to park our cars in protest.

[Afacelessdeath]

Fuck you hippie swine... I'll never ride the official transportation of the communists...