Just to underscore what I was saying about adjusting habits in the face of increased gas prices, a friend pointed out a recent NYT article on that very topic [free reg. req'd].
Mass transit systems around the country are seeing standing-room-only crowds on bus lines where seats were once easy to come by. Parking lots at many bus and light rail stations are suddenly overflowing, with commuters in some towns risking a ticket or tow by parking on nearby grassy areas and in vacant lots.
“In almost every transit system I talk to, we’re seeing very high rates of growth the last few months,” said William Millar, president of the American Public Transportation Association.
“It’s very clear that a significant portion of the increase in transit use is directly caused by people who are looking for alternatives to paying $3.50 a gallon for gas.”
The market reacts! As another friend pointed out today, however, it’s a pity that this is only just catching on now.
Hat Tip: Ethan Jewett.
