Will People Continue to Take Buses & Trains

Trains and buses were crowded when gas prices flirted with $5 a gallon. But now that gas prices have dropped to the $2-per-gallon range, I wonder if ridership on public trains and buses will also drop.

So far it looks good in my area. Even in the middle of the day, I still have plenty of company when I ride trains and buses in Miami. Keep in mind, that South Florida is not an ideal environment for public transportation. It's a sprawling area where people are in LOVE with personal vehicles.

People used to pity me -- a former New Yorker -- when I would hitch rides on buses and trains. But when gas prices spiked, my opinion and expertise about public transportation was in hot demand. Suddenly, there was a crowd of people who wanted to share my frugal rides, and I have had trouble finding seats on packed buses and trains.

The crowds in South Florida continue to show interest in public transportation. Here's a release from our regional transit authority:

"Tri-Rail Sets New Ridership Records

In 2008 Passenger Count Tops 4,000,000 for First Time in History

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority announced today that Tri-Rail carried more than four million passengers during 2008, marking the first time in the system’s 20-year history that ridership has broken that benchmark in a single, calendar year.

Preliminary figures show that Tri-Rail carried 4,303,509 passengers in 2008, representing a 22.9 percent increase over the 2007 total of 3,501,704 passengers.

“These statistics show that the trend of double-digit growth that we have experienced over the past three years is continuing,” said SFRTA Executive Director Joe Giulietti.

“Even with the dramatic reduction in the price of fuel, ridership continues to grow at a record pace. People in South Florida, like record numbers across the country, have come to realize that using public transportation isn’t just about saving money on gasoline; it’s also about mobility, sustainability and taking responsibility for the environment.”

According to the American Public Transportation Association, Tri-Rail has consistently been one of the nation’s leaders for ridership growth in the commuter rail sector since 2006, when it showed the largest percentage of growth of any system in the country. Ridership on Tri-Rail has more than doubled since 2005. For more information, call 1-800-TRI-RAIL (874-7245). "

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Survey Says: $5 Gas by Labor Day

This news release about spiking gas prices --$5 by Labor Day-- caught my attention. Why? In January this organization correctly predicted that gas prices would spike to $4 a gas by the summer season:

"Most Americans now expect gasoline prices to hit $5 by Labor Day and favor bold energy- and climate-related fixes, according to a new national opinion survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) for the nonprofit and nonpartisan Civil Society Institute (CSI) think tank and its Citizens Lead for Energy Action Now (CLEAN) project (www.cleanenergyaction.net).

In another finding, energy prices have jumped substantially since January 2008 as the top worry of Americans – ahead of fears of joblessness, recession/economic downturn, and the mortgage foreclosure crisis.

For the first time, the CSI survey finds that a majority of Americans are now more likely to buy a hybrid or other fuel-efficient vehicle than they were six months ago.

The new CSI/CLEAN survey looks ahead to expectations about Labor Day 2008, gauges the level of anger among Americans about today’s gasoline prices, and assesses how gas prices/energy policy will impact the thinking of voters this year.

In an earlier January 2008 ORC survey conducted for CSI/CLEAN, 71 percent of Americans correctly forecast that gasoline prices would hit $4 by this summer."


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Contest -- Wanted: Crazy Gas Stories for WLRN Radio Broadcast

Do you have a crazy gas story to share? How are you cutting back on gas consumption? The top three energy-saving stories will win a signed copy of my new book The Frugal Duchess: How to Live Well and Save, which was just released from DPL Press.

I'll announce the winning entries on WLRN, an NPR station, where I have been invited me to appear on Topical Currents on Wednesday, June 25 from 1-2 p.m. (EST). Hosted by Joseph Cooper, with Richard Ives as the producer, the program includes live phone calls and email questions. We'll also take a behind-the-scenes tour of my new book, which is part memoir and part how-to.

To enter the contest, send me an e-mail by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24. I'll announce the winning entries on Topical Currents. I'm looking for creative stories with humor and concrete savings.

Tune in anywhere: Hit the "listen now" button on WLRN's website (http://www.wlrn.org/). If you're in the Miami area turn the station to 91.3 FM on the radio dial.

Leave a comment or send an email (sharonhr@bellsouth.net). Time permitting, I'll mention as many tips as possible, with credit. Thanks & Tune in.

The Gas Pump Edition - Weekly Reading - My Favorite Links

The rise in gas prices and solutions to the pump-driven cash crunch are the themes of my latest weekly roundup. Here are a few posts on the subject of gas prices that caught my eye:

From Monroe on a Budget: AP: High gas prices change lawn mower habits and MonroeTalkers: praying at the pump story

From Single Ma's Fabulous Financials: Rising Gas Prices Make Me Consider Crazy Things

From Boston Gal's Open Wallet: House hunting in the age of $4 gas

From Finabguide's Personal Finance Blog: Filled up for $9.

From Seeking Alpha: Save Money on Gas - Drive More Slowly

From Fund My Mutual Fund: The Slow Death of Suburbs?

From Grace Cheng's Forex Currency Blog: Through $4 Gas, Consumers Find Religion: Record Decline In Driving, Record Level Of Conservation
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Latest Trend: 'Staycations' -- Ideas for Stay-at-Home Summer Trips

A Do-it-Yourself, Stay-at-Home theme park? That's one alternative to soaring pump prices. The spike in gas prices has re-fueled a frugal trend, namely the stay-at-home vacation. Basically, we become tourists in our own hometown. I've taken that trip. Here's a link to one of my past hometown vacations: $600 room for $149: Vacation Part 2.


Meanwhile, this item from CCCS has a long list of stay-at-home vacation ideas:


"School is almost out, camps are ready to start, and many families are planning a different kind of vacation this year.


"Family budgets are already being stretched by skyrocketing gas prices and higher costs on just about everything," said Jessica Cecere, president of Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. To cope with these rising costs, many families are opting for a vacation close to home instead of one that includes airfare, lodging, rental cars, and dining out.



CCCS clients offered their ideas for vacations in your own backyard:


Create Your Own Theme Park: Create your very own water park in your yard! Set up a slip-n-slide, fill the inflatable pool and turn on the sprinkler. Include an art area on the driveway with chalk and watercolors, and a bubble machine nearby for extra fun. A concession stand with hot dogs, chips, popcorn, cookies, ice cream, and lemonade adds to the fun. All the fun of a theme park without spending a fortune.


Fine Dining: Plan an elegant picnic at a local beach, lake, park, or in your backyard. Get out your nice dishes and glasses, and pack a tablecloth and linen napkins. Dessert and fresh flowers are great touches. Bring some fun outdoor games, such as bocce ball or badminton and make a day of it.


Throw a Party: Plan a theme party, like a luau, beach night, or the 50's and invite friends, neighbors, and relatives. Plan the menu and ask everyone to bring an item. Visit local thrift stores and garage sales ahead of time for decorations and clothing. It not only saves you a ton of money, but we all love to rummage for a great deal! You can also have it at a local city, county or state park. After the theme party, pack up all the items you purchased and sell them as a lot on eBay so you can recoup some of your expense and pass the idea on to someone else!



Look Close to Home: Research programs available through parks and recreation departments in neighboring communities. Many have great pool facilities that are like mini water parks, complete with slides and loads of things for the kids to do. You may have a small additional fee if you are not a resident or member, but the cost pales in comparison to a day at a theme park. If the facility let's you bring in outside food and drinks, pack a cooler for even more savings.

Day Trips: Many families never enjoy the wonderful places to see right in their own communities. A "staycation" provides the perfect opportunity to plan some day trips to local theme parks, gardens, and more.




Here are ten great places to spend a day this summer. [Note many of these ideas mention Florida attractions, but the same concept can be adapted to other regions.]

1. A Museum - Spend the day enjoying arts and culture at one of the many local museums. The Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Norton Museum of Art and the Flagler Museum are all great choices. Entry fees are reasonable and most offer free admission for kids under 13.

2. A Garden Adventure - Whether you visit the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Butterfly World, or Mounts Botanical Gardens, you will appreciate the natural beauty of our area.

3. Lunch at the Lighthouse - Pack a picnic and head to Jupiter for a tour of this local landmark.

4.Learn something new - Take part in a workshop at the Armory Art Center, Old School Square in Delray Beach, or head to your local craft store or home improvement store to build something special.


5. Explore Science - Experience the Robot Zoo at the South Florida Science Museum. Be sure to visit the McGinty Aquarium and the Marvin Dekelboum Planetarium while you are there.


6. Explore Space - A day trip to the Kennedy Space Center will have the kids dreaming of becoming astronauts. Check the schedule for shuttle launches.

7. Visit the animals - Spend the day at the Palm Beach Zoo or enjoy a drive-thru adventure at Lion Country Safari and get up close and personal with giraffes, lions, rhinos and more.


8. Stay Cool in the Pool - A leisurely day at Calypso Bay or Coconut Cove can be just the ticket on a hot summer day. For the more adventurous, try out one of the 29 water slides at the Rapids.


9.Take a ride - There are many wonderful biking paths in our area, including 6 miles at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County, 5 miles on the Island of Palm Beach, and a 2 mile trail in North Palm Beach.


10. Take a swamp buggy ride through the Everglades, pack the fishing poles and head to Lake Okeechobee, or enjoy some fun in the sun at one of the many beautiful beaches.

Whatever your "staycation" plans, there are many ways to save. Check out attraction websites for discount ticket prices, annual passes, and state resident specials. Pack snacks and lunches for extra savings."


source:CCCS



Here a related link: 10 Luxe-for- Less Vacation Tips

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Memorial Day Travel & Fuel Prices: Poll Shows Derailed Summer Plans

High gas prices -- combined with credit problems -- are prompting many of us to cut or downsize our summer travel plans. That's the word from a recent survey commissioned by TransUnion. Here's the overview from the news release:

"While the Memorial Day holiday usually sees Americans beginning to hit the road for well-deserved vacations, skyrocketing fuel prices and the uncertain economy are likely to make this a difficult summer travel season for many families.

TransUnion’s TrueCredit.com commissioned Zogby International to survey Americans about their summer vacation plans as well as their general philosophies toward financial planning.

*33 percent of all respondents say they will not go on vacation this summer.
*28 percent plan to spend less money than last year on summer vacation.
*21 percent say they plan to spend just as much money as last year on vacation
*13 percent say they will spend more.

Of those who say they will spend less or not go on vacation:

*72 percent cite concern about fuel costs as a reason.
*35 percent cite concern about credit card debt
*47 percent cite concern about other debt or financial obligations
*4 percent express concern about terrorism
*3 percent are worried about identity theft.

“It appears that given the economy, many consumers either can’t justify or feel they won’t be able to pay off the debt they’d incur to travel as they have in the past,” said Lucy Duni, vice president of Consumer Education for TransUnion’s TrueCredit.com. “Since paying your bills on time and carrying low credit balances are critical components of managing your credit health for the long-term, the restraint consumers are showing is probably well advised.”

According to the survey, Americans are taking a long-term view of their finances.

*49 percent say the statement: “I’m a long hauler. I devise and adhere to long-term plans for my money” best represents their personal financial philosophy
*25 percent agree with the statement: “I’m a baby stepper. I set short-term plans and stick to them.”
*18 percent say they are best described as a finger crosser (getting by day-to-day and hoping for the best).
*2 percent characterize themselves as a dice roller (making risky moves in the hope of big returns). "

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7 Tips for Saving Gas & Money

In the Palm Beach area, the monthly cost of gas has spiked to an average of $219 as of February 2008, a gain of 20 percent relative to the average of $182 in the year-ago period. These gas-conserving, money-saving tips are from CCCS.

1. "Lighten your load - If you have a trunk full of stuff, you are getting fewer miles per gallon. Empty your trunk and save. Consider filling your tank just half way-each gallon of gas adds 8 pounds to your vehicle. You'll have to visit the pump more frequently, but you will get better gas mileage.

2. Keep cool - On hot days, set your air conditioner to recirculate after reaching the desired temperature. Park in a shady spot and use a sun-shade in your front window.

3. Don't speed - Driving the speed limit reduces gas consumption. Use your cruise control; avoid quick starts from traffic lights and stop signs.

4. Filling tips - Fill your tank at the coolest time of the day, usually first thing in the morning. Don't wait until your tank is empty-fill when you reach half a tank. Be patient-don't put the nozzle on full blast. A slower, steady flow will put less air and more gas in your tank.

5. Look for discounted gas or rebate options - Some retailers offer discounts on gas for shopping in their stores. Wal-Mart offers 3 cents off per gallon discount if you use a pre-paid Wal-Mart card. Other big box clubs, such as Costco, offer membership options that include a 2 percent rebate on all purchases, including gas. Grocery stores with gas pumps may offer other deals.

6. Pay cash for gas - If you don't know how much you are spending in gas, or if you are struggling to pay off gas purchases made on a credit card each month, use cash to pay for gas.

7. Maintain your vehicle - Perform routine maintenance on your car and keep the appropriate air pressure in your tires to get the best gas mileage."


Source: CCCS
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Gas Survey: $4 a Gallon by Summer?

This news item about $4 a gallon summer gas prices caught my attention:

"A new national opinion survey -- which will be released later today -- sponsored by the nonprofit and nonpartisan Civil Society Institute think tank and its 40MPG.org project offers the following details:

More than 7 out of 10 Americans expect gasoline prices to reach $4 this summer

• Nine out of 10 Americans report that what political candidates say about fuel prices, energy policy and dealing with climate change will have a big impact on who they vote for



• Higher gas prices are the #1 economic worry of Americans for 2008 -– ahead of fears about recession, the mortgage foreclose crisis and increased joblessness



• Over half of Americans will cut back on summer travel plans and 2008 personal spending if gasoline prices reach $4 a gallon.

The survey indicates that many Americans think they are being gouged at the gas pump ... as well as how many drivers will be more even more inclined to buy hybrids, clean diesels and other highly fuel-efficient if gas prices reach or exceed $4 per gallon.

To get the full survey findings: join the live, telephone-based news conference (with full Q&A), dial 1-(800) 860-2442 by 1:30 p.m. ET TODAY (Wednesday, January 30, 2008). Ask for the "$4 gas/2008 elections survey" news event."

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