Higher Gas Prices, Fewer Pike Drivers

Yesterday afternoon Boston.com posted a short story about a decline in the number of drivers using the Mass Pike. A more in-depth article about this topic appeared in this morning's The Boston Globe.

There were 6.75 percent fewer toll transactions in August 2008 compared to August 2007, representing the second largest year-to-year drop since June. The Pike noted that the drop in toll transactions pertained to cash-paying customers, who tend to be occasional users or vacationers. Fast Lane drivers are still using the Pike, most likely because they are commuters.

During this same period, MBTA ridership increased 6.9 percent. Obviously, more people are using mass transit than their own personal vehicles.

Thanks to the January 2008 toll increase, the Pike still collected more revenue this August compared to last year.

In other news, the Brockton Enterprise ran an article about the proposed rail station at the Raynham-Taunton Greyhound park.