Gas Prices Pushing Boston Drivers Out Of Cars, Into Public Transportation

Boston, MA (AHN) - Runaway gas prices have prompted a significant number of Boston motorists to leave their cars at home and take public transportation going to the office.

As a result, ridership of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority went up by 6.2 percent for the first quarter of 2008, reported Daniel Grabauskas, general manager of the MBTA. The hike covers trips on subways, buses and trains.

By March, the MBTA had 1.29 million riders, up by 69,000 compared to last year.

At a press conference Monday, Grabauskas told media, quoted by the Boston Globe, "Absolutely no question we are seeing gas prices drive up the ridership numbers here in Boston and in transit agencies across the nation."

Aside from cutting costs, taking public transportation is gaining ground across the nation as a way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The MBTA has also stepped up its ecological efforts by planning to add 100 more newspaper recycling bins to the existing 300 at MBTA stations.

The addition was announced at the recent Earth Day celebration.