Gas prices are rising. So is public transit ridership.
Rising gas prices are leading to increased public transit ridership in several U.S. cities. The national average price of gasoline has surpassed $4.50 per gallon, prompting some Americans to seek alternatives to driving. However, experts warn that many still lack practical options due to decades of car-centric development and inconsistent transit funding.
- ▪Gas prices have risen due to disruptions in oil shipments from Iran.
- ▪California has seen significant increases in public transit ridership, particularly in cities like San Diego and San Francisco.
- ▪Experts note that while ridership is increasing, many people still have limited alternatives to driving.
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Benton Graham Published May 18, 2026 Topic Climate + Solutions Share/Republish Copy Link Republish Copy Link Email SMS X Facebook Republish Reddit LinkedIn Bluesky Higher gas prices are bringing some Americans back to public transit. The increase in ridership comes as the war in Iran has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing the national average price of gasoline beyond $4.50 per gallon. In California, drivers are paying more than $6.15 per gallon on average. Rising fuel prices have historically pushed at least some Americans toward buses and trains, particularly commuter rail. But experts caution that decades of car-oriented development and inconsistent transit funding still leave most people with few practical alternatives to driving.
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