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Transit Ridership Soars—for Now

Plummeting gas prices haven't driven us back to cars ... but now fewer have jobs to commute to

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 8, 2008 12:56 PM CST

(Newser) – Dramatic increases in public transportation ridership have outlived sky-high gas prices, but the souring economy could reverse the trend, USA Today reports. Nationwide, third-quarter ridership was up 7% compared to last year, spurred by $4-a-gallon gas in July. Some municipalities saw almost 20% more commuters on their trains and buses. But people without jobs don't need any form of transportation for commuting.

“Even though gas prices are falling, Americans tried public transit and many find it convenient,” said the president the American Public Transportation Association, which released the numbers. Still, the economic downturn could take its toll. “If you don't have a job, I don't care if gas prices are $9 a gallon or 9 cents a gallon,” one local transportation official said. “You are not going to be riding.”

Passengers board a RTD bus in downtown Denver.
Passengers board a RTD bus in downtown Denver.   (AP Photo)
A New York city subway car.
A New York city subway car.   (AP Photo)
A commuter boards a Capital District Transportation Authority bus in Albany, N.Y.
A commuter boards a Capital District Transportation Authority bus in Albany, N.Y.   (AP Photo)
A subway platform in midtown New York.
A subway platform in midtown New York.   (AP Photo)
A New York City Police officer assists a man entering a subway station.
A New York City Police officer assists a man entering a subway station.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Shannonals
Dec 9, 2008 8:52 PM CST
Quite doubt public transportation will take a hit just because gas prices are dropping, the American public knows it won't stay at the level it is for long

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