By Brian Westley
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The nation’s public transportation systems saw the largest quarterly ridership increase in 25 years as more Americans shunned their automobiles even as gasoline prices began to ease, according to industry figures to be released today.
Subways, buses, commuter rail and light-rail systems saw a 6.5 percent jump in ridership from July to September, according to the Washingtonbased American Public Transportation Association. During the same quarter, Americans drove 4.6 percent less on the nation’s highways.
Read the rest from the Albuquerque Journal.
Some good has come from the rise in gas prices this past year. More people have turned to public transportation, which means a little less pollution in our air. Also, since I am one of those people, I find it a good way to get to know the different people in our city. The question is, will it stay this way now that gas prices are falling?
Photo by: barbwire55 on flickr.com
1 Tell us what you think:
Nice post! I was in Seattle and not only are there lots of busses, but lots of people walking and bike riding.
I also noticed lots of parks and public art. Albuquerque has a way to go, but I think Seattle showed me what's possible.
The VERY short ride on the monorail was kind of funny though. Might have been good if it went further, but I think it was not ever meant as real public transportation.
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