The last time gasoline in Florida reached $4 per gallon, just about every transit system in the state experienced record ridership, according to the Florida Public Transportation Association. This year might even be worse, as gas prices reached an all-time high for February and are continuing to rise.

With the higher cost of gasoline, Floridians are expected to place unprecedented demand on the state’s public transportation infrastructure. Now, with experts like Shell’s former CEO predicting $5 per gallon by 2012, the Florida transit industry is bracing for increasing numbers of Floridians who will discover how much money can be saved by taking public transportation to get to work.

Public transportation is such a logical alternative to expensive driving that even the American Automobile Association has now placed links to public transportation on its homepage. The association reported in December that riding public transportation saves individuals an average $9,581 annually.

“People know they can save a lot of money when they choose to take public transportation to work instead of driving alone,” Wes Watson, executive director of the Florida Public Transportation Association, said.

Jacksonville Transportation Authority Executive Director/CEO Michael J. Blaylock said, “JTA is ready and willing to serve when

gas prices exceed local motorists’ desire – or ability – to pay at the pump. When gas prices soared in 2008, JTA saw a 12 percent increase in ridership. Since then, ridership has continued to grow with many riders still using JTA’s service, but now by choice.”

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority Interim Executive Director Denise Skinner agrees.

“In 2008, PSTA’s ridership jumped by more than 10 percent. Since that time, we’ve streamlined service, created a strong social media presence and added a Google Trip Planner to our website – all of which make it easier than ever for people to ride PSTA and save money,” Skinner said. “Given these improvements and the fact that most people are now spending more on a fill up than they would for a monthly bus pass, I wouldn’t be surprised if our ridership gains this year are even greater than those in 2008.”

For more information, visit FloridaTransit.org or contact Denis Eirikis at 561-798-9633.

Article provided by the Florida Public Transportation Association.