Rising gas prices could increase public transit riders

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A recent report says rising gas prices could double demand for public transit.  Indiana expects more than 60 million riders in the next two decades.

Experts say once fuel prices exceed $4-per-gallon, the need for public transportation also goes up.

According to Mayor Duke Bennett, that's the case right here in Terre Haute.

“Our ridership is up again: two straight years in a row of significant increase,” said Mayor Bennett.

A big problem that any public transit faces is the state hasn't increased public transit funding recently.

Now, local bus systems need to step it up.

A study shows Indiana's public transit systems provide about 35 million trips a year. That could increase by 50 percent or more if gas prices continue to rise.

Dozens of people commented on WTHI's Facebook page regarding the necessity of public transit.

Some love the Terre Haute city bus systems.

Others think the routes need to be more widespread and the runs more frequent.

So would a reliable, extensive transit system attract more riders?  And would expanding the routes to rural areas bring people in?

Jeff Butwin thinks so. Jeff commented on our Facebook wall, saying he would take public transit if it was willing to come out to Seelyville.

But Mayor Bennett is excited about the direction the city's public transit is taking.

“We purchased some used buses that will help us: bigger buses. We’re having problems with some of our smaller ones not being able to handle the load as the ridership goes up. So, we’re able to save some money by going the used route,” said Mayor Bennett.

The city's also looking into alternative methods of saving money and expanding the transit system.

“We’re also looking at opportunities to upgrade our environmentally-friendly buses…We’re still using and trying to make those buses a part of our fleet,” said Mayor Bennett.