Posted on 05/18/2026 6:29:07 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin
MADISON, WI - Gas prices are up more than 50% since the war with Iran began, pushing more Americans to rethink how they get around.
Public transportation is seeing a noticeable bump: Amtrak reports a 5% increase in passengers in March compared to a year ago.
With jet fuel costs climbing and airfares rising about 15%, long-distance travelers are especially drawn to bus trips right now. Trailways, the largest network of bus companies in the U.S., saw a 5% increase in March year-over-year.
Trailways President Alex Berardi confirms the increase is related to gas with the accelerated numbers in April, "We see April also up 9% — that’s when we know it’s not just natural growth. This is from the gas prices,” Berardi said.
E-scooters and bikes replacing car trips
The shift isn’t just for cross-country travel. Micromobility — like shared e-scooters and bikes is also growing.
The e-scooter and bike company Veo says that in a late March survey, 68% of respondents reported replacing car rides with e-scooters and bikes.
Veo reports "73% said shared scooters and bikes are cheaper than driving when gas prices are high."
In the Greater Madison area — including Fitchburg, McFarland and Monona — B-cycle now operates more than 525 bikes across 120+ stations.
Riders can find station locations using the system’s online map, The process is simple: download the app, find a bike on the map, grab and ride. The station map also allows riders to check nearby bike routes.
As prices remain high, transportation experts say consumers may continue leaning on public transit and shared mobility to avoid the volatility at the gas pump.
How come their renewable green scam energy is not taking up the slack , oh wait you can’t electricity in the gas tank
Trump needs to bomb the railway between Iran and China.
“You should see the price of gas at the marinas...”
Captive audience. They’ve got you over a barrel, so to speak. ;)
I miss spending the whole Summer on Big Silver Lake as a kid. So many good times, so many good memories. :)
“I voted for Trump and would never vote democrat even if they gave gasoline away free. Gas is up. So I drive a little less. Trump has cut illegal immigration, saving us a lot of money.”
Amen. AMEN. AMEN! :)
Just pointing out that there were NO ARTICLES LIKE THIS in my local ‘Communist Rag’ when gas hit $5 and above here in Wisconsin under Brandon & Crew.
Yep. Sleep in a cheaper motel instead of a hotel.
Buy sandwich food instead of restaurants.
Drive less. Don’t eat out. Buy cheaper items.
Easy to save $20 to $30.
I doubt the press wrote any news articles on the gas. But there were stickers all over the place with Biden on them. They don’t need to be any articles for people to know the gas was ridiculously priced people see with their own eyes. People don’t need articles to tell them that gas is sky high, which it was during Biden’s term.
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