http://www.takepart.com/news/2008/05/14/as-gas-prices-rise-so-does-public-transportation-use
The New York Times reported on Saturday that as gas prices surge upwards, public transportation use is on the rise throughout the country. Now that gas prices are no longer just a nuisance, but a very real and very serious financial issue, the Times reports that,
Some cities with long-established public transit systems, like New York and Boston, have seen increases in ridership of 5 percent or more so far this year. But the biggest surges – of 10 to 15 percent or more over last year – are occurring in many metropolitan areas in the South and West where the driving culture is strongest and bus and rail lines are more limited.
Amazing that even in the West, where public transportation barely even exists (looking at you, Los Angeles Metro), it now actually makes more sense to figure out how not to use a car. Of course, those same prices affecting your car are affecting your city's busses.
But meeting the greater demand for mass transit is proving difficult. The cost of fuel and power for public transportation is about three times that of four years ago, and the slowing economy means local sales tax receipts are down, so there is less money available for transit services. Higher steel prices are making planned expansions more expensive.
Environmentally speaking, of course, the best course of action is the use of public transport, regardless of what cost to whom. Also, you get to read a book or do a crossword while you do it, which is really awesome. Try that while you're driving. Actually, no. Don't. But you know what I mean.
here by learning more about the public transportation systems in your area.