Transit Not Traffic In The News

The federal government's economic stimulus checks were supposed to give the economy a much-needed shot in the arm, but instead they are giving many a boost in the fuel tank.

The cost of nearly everything has gone up over the last few months, which may have drawn people away from buying TVs and vacations with their money, experts said. With gas at more than $4 a gallon in most areas, a new report out shows that by this week, most Maryland families have spent their entire economic stimulus check filling up their tanks.

The Maryland Public Interest Research Group is using the check and the price at the pump to ask for state and federal agencies to make mass transit a priority and a viable option for residents.

Commuter German Rodriguez said he drives less and takes the light rail to save money.

He said he's seen a surge in new riders.Maryland PIRG officials said that in 2006, public transit saved 132.3 million gallons from being used -- the equivalent of saving $540 million at the pump in current times.