High gas prices push drivers to public transportation as Palm Tran ridership spikes

WELLINGTON, Fla. - As gas prices continue to soar all across the country, many drivers out are ditching their keys and opting for alternative transportation like public transit.

According to the Palm Tran ridership report, transit officials saw an 11% surge in ridership in December 2011 compared to the same month in 2010.

Palm Tran saw the biggest jump in that time period for weekday ridership.

Many riders out at the Wellington Green Mall bus stop said the increase in gas prices has a lot to do with their choice to ride the bus.

"It's definitely getting a lot more crowded. There used to be not a lot of people. Now it's full almost all day long," said Tyler Diaz, a West Palm Beach resident.

Some of the drivers said it is not just the gas prices they are saving money on. New riders said taking the bus also cuts down on money they would spend on car maintenance.