Study: $5/gallon gas could overload public transit system in U.S.— Autoblog Green

Recently, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) predicted that rising gasoline prices could lead to asavings of $14,376 for commuters in New York Citywho choose to switch from personal to public transportation. However, keeping that amount of coin in one's bank account may not be as simple as it first seems.

An additional study released by the APTA claims that soaring gas prices will convince Americans to turn to public transportation in record numbers, possibly overloading the our transit systems. The APTA predicts that if gas prices hit $4 a gallon (it's$3.546 today), public transportation networks will need to add 670 million trips per year to keep up with rising demand. If pump prices soar to $5 a gallon, 1.5 billion additional passenger trips will be required. If prices were to soar to $6 a gallon, well, let's not go there.

William Millar, president of the APTA, is calling on Congress for investments aimed at addressing rising demand for public transportation:

We must make significant, long-term investments in public transportation or we will leave our fellow Americans with limited travel options, or in many cases stranded without travel options. Public transit is the quickest way for people to beat high gas prices if it is available.

Saving money by switching from personal to public transportation is a good idea– but only if there's an available ride.

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