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. Over 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