High Gas Prices Means Public Transportation Increase In Passengers

While Albany lawmakers decide whether or not to give New York State residents a gas tax holiday for most of the summer, some people are looking to public transportation to ease the burden of travel costs.

Premium gas has risen to over $4 a gallon and even 87 grade is teetering at $3.89 at some pumps.

“When you don’t have a lot of money, you have to budget. And with the gas prices going up, you have to really budget now,” said James Lewis, who was filling his vehicle and thinks that gas prices are too high.

Its enough for Watertown residents to put down the keys and pick up a dollar.

That’s what it costs to ride the bus.
Kathy Webster, the transit supervisor, said that people are using the bus system as their choice of transportation to help when it comes to choosing between feeding their families or buying medication or filling the gas tank of the car.

The city bus system has seen an increase of 2,300 passengers compared to last year at this time.

And while the bus helps passengers save money, it does struggle to fill its own fuel tanks.

“We’re blessed to be able to have a system, but at some point, things have to cap. We haven’t seen a cap yet,” said Webster.

Jessica Cain reports:

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