Public Transit Feels the Pinch of Gas Prices

The plan is being developed by a consultant and an advisory committee to the Board of Supervisors. They have gathered comments from residents at several public meetings and hope to get additional public comment on a draft plan between August and October. The final plan then would be presented to the supervisors in November, although that schedule could change.

In addition to the recent jump in bus ridership, more people are choosing to carpool or vanpool to work, which is contributing to the crowding of the park-and-ride lots, county officials said. They did not have figures available on ride-sharing in Loudoun. But on the regional Commuter Connections bulletin board on the Web, ride-sharing postings from Fairfax County and Loudoun were up 87.5 percent in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year.

Others are finding more creative ways to cut back on fuel costs.

Jim Bonner, 50, of Lovettsville said he still drives to McLean for his job at an aerospace company because his hours fluctuate. But he said that he and his wife have decided to reduce mileage in other ways.

"On the weekends, instead of going out to do shopping, I end up doing that on my way home during the week," Bonner said. "Between my wife and I, we save 75 miles a week."

Gross said that those who try public transportation often find it more convenient than driving, and many don't go back to driving.

"Once people get on the bus, they realize it's a good alternative and a lot of them don't leave when gas prices drop again," Gross said.

Staff writer Jonathan Mummolo contributed to this report.