In dozens of cities across America, gas is lower than $2.00 per gallon, which is the lowest I've seen prices since I first started driving in 2000. A new study released this week shows Inter-city bus service jumped 9.8 percent between the fourth quarters of 2007 and 2008, the highest growth rate in more than 40 years. While it credits much of the spike to the higher gas prices felt earlier this year, it seems that the basic economic efficiencies of bus travel are still proving themselves more attractive, especially with younger generations that are finding more entertainment and job opportunities in reviving downtown districts.
Reuters writes:
The study, released by the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development at DePaul University in Chicago, includes all arrivals and departures of all conventional intercity bus companies, such as Greyhound Lines and Continental Trailways, as well as curbside bus operators, but not commuter-bus operators.
Much of the growth was driven by two companies, Megabus and Boltbus, a joint venture of the Greyhound and Peter Pan bus companies, which started curbside pick-up service in northeastern states in spring 2007.
The two companies offer high-frequency service between major U.S. cities and wireless Internet service on board.
As somebody who rarely ever rides buses, I'm now turned on by the idea for free wi-fi access alone. But along with people's ability to check e-mail while they commute, it turns out the increased bus service has also made some headway in the battle against global warming. The study found that over the past year, reduced carbon dioxide emissions are estimated at about 36,000 tons . Air travel also dropped by about 8 percent in the same time period.
It seems more and more Americans are getting on the bus, both literally and metaphorically.
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