With gas prices spiking, commuters in the Valley may be looking for alternatives to driving and that could mean a switch to public transportation.
Gas prices in Phoenix hit $4.72 a gallon recently according to AAA. In previous years, public transportation has seen increased ridership due to gas price hikes. Valley Metro Public Information Officer Juliana Vasquez-Keating has this advice for those worried about climbing costs.
“This is a great time to try transit, maybe not leave your car at home completely, but when you can use transit, try to use it because you can pay for rides all day long for just $4. ” Vasquez-Keating said.
Vasquez-Keating said while ridership hasn’t increased yet, if prices remain high more people might make the switch. She said ridership numbers often lag behind gas price increases, and may begin to climb in the coming weeks.
“They can ride a day for $4, a week for $20, and a whole month for $64, which $64 is essentially one tank of gas at this time” Vasquez-Keating said.
She said Valley Metro was seeing small ridership spikes due to events around the Valley, including the recent Redbull Formula 1 event. Fare prices for the organization were last raised in 2013 according to Vasquez-Keating.
Valley Metro is keeping an eye on ridership trends as gas prices continue to climb.
-
Starting in May, ADOT will replace 370 light fixtures along Interstate 17 and Interstate 40 in Flagstaff, as well as stretches of Route 66. -
Gas prices in Arizona continue to sit above the national average. AAA Arizona says a gallon of regular, unleaded today goes for $4.57 — that’s compared to $4.02 a gallon nationally. -
The Phoenix City Council plans to take action on proposed changes that would reduce speed limits across city streets at Wednesday’s meeting. -
As gas prices remain high across Arizona, businesses are beginning to feel the impacts on their operations. The average price per gallon of diesel across the state has risen over $2.40 since 2025. -
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is a major hub for American Airlines, an airline whose history is deeply rooted in historic airlines based in Arizona.
