More Americans Riding Buses, Subways and Commuter Rails

Budget-conscious Americans hopped on more buses, subways and commuter rails in 2008, according to industry figures released Monday.

Last summer's record-high gas prices and the falling economy has led more people to seek cheaper forms of transportation. Experts disagree whether the number of riders — the most since 1956 — indicates Americans' travel habits are changing or if the shift away from cars is temporary.

People made 10.7 billion trips on public transit in 2008, a 4 percent increase over 2007, according to the American Public Transportation Association. During the same time, Americans drove 3.6 percent less on the nation's highways. Gas prices peaked at more than $4 in July before falling, but ridership remained strong.

Source:

MSN.com: Transit Ridership Up, Highway Travel Down