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.
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