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.
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