Gas Prices Pushing People to Mass Transit

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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
Uploaded: June 3rd, 2008 @ 9:55 pm
Author: AssociatedPress

Length: 02:15
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Tags: gas mass prices_mass_transit pushing transit

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