The rising gas prices due to the Trump administration’s war on Iran have forced many people to adapt. Within the United States, while many are still attempting to go through their daily lives as normal, a growing number of people are looking towards alternative avenues.
Public transportation usage has noticeably spiked under this latest strain on gas. For many Americans, these prices are becoming unsustainable, especially for those living paycheck to paycheck. When it comes to gas or grocery bills, many are less willing to spend on gas if it means they and their families don’t get fed.
Buses and trains are being used now more than ever, now that many people are willing to put aside their misgivings about public transportation to at least try out another way of getting around. This comes at a time when many passenger rail extensions have opened in cities across the United States, like Los Angeles.
This opportunity is slowly but surely chipping away at the preconceived notions Americans have about public transportation, which have allegedly been manufactured by industries that would be better off if the public saw public transportation as unreliable.
Additionally, with younger generations becoming generally more receptive to public transportation. In addition to the decrease in driver’s licenses among that group, it’s more than likely that this situation has only accelerated public transportation’s growth within the US. However, this all depends on how long this war lasts, and if the public will be able to keep up with this movement when the gas prices stabilize.
