News & Events: Press Releases
September, 2004
Soaring Gas Prices Mean Lifestyle Changes For Many
Contact: Kelly Robertson
850-878-5531
kroberston@kidd.com
As gas prices continue to rise, consumers across the country are scrambling to find ways to keep money in their pockets this summer. With no end in sight to this disturbing trend and with experts hinting at the possibility of $3 prices at the pump in 2005, drivers around the country are beginning to realize that significant lifestyle changes will be needed in the near future to endure the volatile price of personal transportation. Take a look at what some people are doing to escape the high gas costs:
"We've Moved"
These days commute time and traffic jams are not the only obstacles facing suburbanites working in cities. Many commuters find themselves paying so much at the pump that their paychecks just aren't holding up anymore. The answer? Suburbanites are packing up their belongings and moving closer to the city to avoid long commutes or to avoid personal transportation altogether by walking, biking or using public transportation to get to and from work and other activities.
Telecommuting
Moving isn't an option? Don't worry you're not the only one. Employers and employees are increasingly opting to telecommute in order to decrease expenditures by the employer for office space and for the employee on commute. According to the International Telework Association and Council by the end of 2004 nearly 30 million people in the US will telecommute.
Combining Errands
For those people who can't let go of their car, pairing up errands is becoming a way of life. With a little experimentation consumers are finding shopping centers and strip malls that have everything they need and that are conveniently located between their work and home. With only one stop during the daily commute savvy consumers can grocery shop, drop off dry cleaning, go to the bank, get take out, and pick kids up from daycare.
Road Trips Cancelled
According to US Travel Statistics 82% of Americans drive to their vacation destinations. This summer kids around the US will be spending a little more quality time at home as parents are canceling road trips due to high gas prices. Mickey must be so lonely.
Docks are Full
Watercraft owners are also feeling the pinch of high gas prices. Marinas and local parks may see a decline in their usage this summer.
Get Out of the SUV, Get Into A Hybrid
On the road SUV owners feel like the kings and queens of the road, but after filling up they're at the bottom of the bank balance totem pole. Hybrid vehicles offer an alternative to high gas prices by using a combination of gas and other natural fuel sources to power your car; averaging almost two times the miles per gallon of traditional gas powered vehicles. According to the Detroit Free Press, hybrid car registrations increased 25% in 2003 - Florida had the third largest increase in registrations.
Car Upkeep
The American Automobile Association offers tips on how to conserve gas by keeping your car in shape; consumers are listening:
- Spark plugs must be in good condition to ensure efficient use of fuel.
- Dirty air and fuel filters increase fuel consumption and can cause poor performance.
- Under-inflated tires are a safety hazard and can cut fuel economy as much as 2 percent per pound of pressure below the recommended level.
- Vehicle should be serviced immediately if the emissions malfunction indicator light - MIL - or "check engine" light comes on.
- A certified technician, who can also inspect important vehicle components that can affect fuel consumption, should service your vehicle regularly.
- If you must replace a gas cap, make sure it is the right one for your car. A poorly fitting cap can cause engine problems, increase emissions and reduce fuel economy.
- Keep track of gas mileage. If you notice a decrease in fuel economy, your vehicle may not be operating at peak performance.
Car or Vanpool to Work, School and Play
Carpooling, a term normally reserved for little league and ballet practice is now entering mainstream America. Thousands of people nationwide carpool to work, play and even to run errands each day to conserve gasoline and keep dollars and cents in the pocketbook. "Escalating gas prices have made single passenger travel cost prohibitive for much of the northwest Florida workforce and many people are seeking alternative means of traveling to and from work," comments Hope Mauldin of the Ride On program which helps companies and employees coordinate rideshare programs. "This is evident by the increased interest in the Ride On program." For more information on Ride On call (800) 342-5557.
Bicycling & Walking
Why spend $2+ at the pump and $50 a month at the gym? Bicycling and walking to work and to run errands is becoming increasingly popular; plus it helps to make the environment cleaner, people healthier and saves people thousands of dollars a year in gas a private gym costs.
"Mom, your bus is here!"
No carpools in your area? Too tired to walk or bike? Why not take the Bay Town Trolley, Bay County's public transportation system? Bay Town Trolley has routes to take you anywhere you need to go from downtown Panama City, to Panama City Beach, Parker, Callaway and Lynn Haven. A monthly pass for unlimited rides is only $15, which is a lot less than you would pay these days for just one fill-up at the gas station! Plus, daily passes are only $3 and special rates are available for students, the elderly and people with disabilities.
Experts are predicting that gas prices may drop as low as $1.60 per gallon by November. This drop, attributed to lower demand and higher capacity for making cool weather gasoline, two unsustainable factors, will undoubtedly give consumers a false sense of security. Bay County residents should heed the warnings of the experts and consider experimenting with transportation alternatives to ensure that if and when gas prices reach prohibitive levels they are prepared to continue moving.
Bay Town Trolley is an award-winning transit system that serves Bay County, Monday through Friday, with hundreds of stops daily. Nearly 120,000 people have ridden the trolley thus far in 2004. For more information about Trolley routes call (850) 769-0557. All Bay Town Trolleys are equipped with bicycle racks and wheelchair lifts.