More Middle Georgians Trade Car Keys for Bus Passes

As gas prices inch towards $4 a gallon more and more Middle Georgia residents are parking their cars and opting for a bus pass.

According to Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb Transits Authority, Rick Jones, ridership for the month of February was up nearly 20% compared to last year. He says, “When gas prices go up to $4 a gallon people are going to try to save somewhere and certainly riding the bus is the way to do it.

Charles Walters says he saves close to $35 every two weeks. “It adds up quick. 35 bucks that’s a half a sack of groceries,” says Walters.

A monthly bus pass, which includes unlimited rides, costs around $56. According to riders, that’s a great deal, considering filling a tank of gas can run around $60 week.

Valiant Williams says,”It’s a little bit cheaper to catch the bus. I mean the bus is $1.25, gas is like $10 a gallon.”

Several new MTA buses are also Eco-friendly. “These buses are zero emissions, so the environment is much cleaner,” says Jones.  

The new Eco-buses are also saving tax payers money. They get around 8 miles to the gallon compared to the older buses that only get 4. According to Jones, the budget to fuel the buses in the past has been around $900,000, but this year that will drop to around $600,000.