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.
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From AI:
"Under President Biden, the average gasoline price has more than doubled, rising from $2.39 per gallon on his first day in office to over $5.00 per gallon by June 2022. This increase has been attributed to various factors, including his administration's energy policies and external events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine."
Biden didn’t promise no new wars or that he would lower gas prices
and
“We suck slightly less than the last guy” isn’t exactly an inspiring campaign slogan for the mid-terms.
Yeah, get on a bus that drops you 1/2 mile or more from your destination in 100-degree heat. Along with vermin, criminals and vomit/piss smells to entertain you on your ride to hell.
Yep. We’d better all just give up and kill ourselves right this minute! ;)
“Rising diesel costs from Iran war strain US school budgets”
Remember when Brandon closed all the schools because of ‘budget concerns’ over the price of diesel while he was President?
Oh. Wait...
As you noted, Biden was worse. But here’s the problem. Biden’s foolishness was behind the scenes. There was nothing specific that the average person could point to.
With Trump it’s specific: Iran
Its true that the media ignored the massive jump in gas prices under Biden. But the cost of filling the average gas tank has gone up about $20 since the war and that does have an impact. Unlike Biden, Trump has a set of policies to develop US energy and get energy prices down and a very smart foreign policy to source oil from countries like Venezuela and to develop better relations with Saudi Arabia. But the longer the war drags on, the worse the impact on fuel prices and the economy will be. W e can’t minimize that just because Trump is in office.
I always believed one of the main reasons for high gas prices in California, i.e., $2 more/gallon than the national average - besides obvious tax revenue (highest in the country) - was to force people into using public transportation.
Which, in most California cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco is dirty, dangerous and unpredictable, as homeless ride the systems all day for free and bus drivers are assaulted.
No. Thanks.
Not only that, scooters and bikes are cheaper when gas prices are LOW.
I can’t imagine a $1 per gallon increase cancels trips/vacations by car. What’s that amount to ?...maybe an extra $100 overall ? (unless its in California)
Only idiots are falling for this hyped bunk
...just noticed this comes out of Madison Wisconsin...
...clarifying point
Nobody’s using it as a campaign slogan.
During WWII people sacrificed in all kinds of ways to support the war effort and I don’t recall reading about anybody whining about it.
If I have to pay more for gasoline for a while to ensure the largest sponsor of terror the world has ever known is finally vanquished once and for all I for one have no problem with it.
And for anyone that is so narrow minded they can’t see that I’d suggest that they pull their head out of their ass.....it ain’t all about you pal.
Nope. Gotta get someplace so gotta go. No EV either. All anyone can do is whine about it. Or build your own backyard refinery. 🤔😂👍
A planned vacation? No. But it will certainly cancel the day trips.
And if Trump allowed Iran to get nuclear weapons, there would be no gas stations.
If Dims were in control you would have Mexifornia gas prices where they shut down the wells and closed the refineries. You would be wishing for $5/gal.
Cuts into the sugar drink budget, ya know.
I had ridden a motorcycle much of the time when I was still working & saved a bunch on gas. Unfortunately I am now retired, too old for a M/C now that gas is higher than I’ve ever seen it here. My first car was a gas hog, but it didn’t matter as gas was very cheap back then.
They’ll complain about gas prices, then go into Buc-ee’s and pay $10 for a breakfast burrito.
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