May 23, 2008 12:11 pm US/Eastern
Fuel Prices, Economy Puts Damper On Holiday Plans
360,000 Fewer Cars Expected To Hit Roads For Holiday Getaways
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Gas prices over $4.00 per gallon are displayed at a Shell station March 13, 2008, in San Mateo, Calif.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
It's the Great Memorial Day Getaway. But pain at the pump will mean fewer cars on the roads.
About 360,000 fewer cars will be on the nation's roads this holiday weekend compared to last year, all because of rising gas prices and the struggling economy.
"I'm going to stay home and do yard work. We usually drive to the shore, but not this year," said Richard Lubbin.
The New York area is being hit the hardest because gas prices are up a whopping 82 cents since last May. So some people who usually jump into the car Memorial Day Weekend will instead be hitting the rails. Metro-North expects a 10 percent increase on Friday in ridership while the Long Island Railroad has already seen a 10.4 percent jump in ridership in the weeks leading up to the weekend getaway. But if you're still determined to hit the roads despite the pain at the pump, AAA says there are a number of things people can do to save money.
"They could stay at either a cheaper hotel or with family and friends. The could carpool instead of everyone traveling down together. You know, get together with a group of friends and you could also take a more fuel efficient vehicle. It may mean less leg room but you will save money in the long run," said Michele Mount of AAA.
Only 7 percent of New York drivers are expected to be hitting the roads this holiday weekend.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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