Many more people are catching the trend of catching the bus.  CARTA reports ridership is up about 22 percent over this time last year.  The main reason, high gas prices.

"Gas will eat you up, riding the bus is much cheaper," Derrick Drayton, a CARTA rider said.

Many riders say the bus is saving them serious pain at the pump.

"I'm saving 50 bucks per week and that's pretty good money for me," Virginia Myers told ABC News 4.  She currently drives a small economic car but still says fuel costs at $3.68 per gallon in Charleston are just too much.

"It's either gas in the vehicle or food on the table so they have to make a choice," Robert Snipe added.

"We're very happy to see ridership up, it means that the system is working for people and more people are opting into it," said Christine Wilkinson, Transit Administrator for CARTA.

The high fuel costs are also affecting CARTA as well.  In October a rate hike is expected.  Fares will go from $1.25 to $1.50.

Wondering how much you could save by switching from your vehicle to the bus?  You can find out by clicking here

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