Gas prices have more people thinking about other ways to get around, including public transportation.

Becky Niedbalski of South Bend has a Good Question: Is TRANSPO considering expanding their routes?

WSBT's Kirk Mason has the answer.

One person's pain is another's opportunity. Gas prices are so high, some are now considering new options.

TRANSPO says its bus ridership is up seven percent in May, compared to a year ago.

“We believe a lot of it can be attributed to the increase in fuel prices,” said Jeannette Barnhart with TRANSPO. “We believe as fuel prices go up our community is going to be looking at alternatives."

TRANSPO now has new automatic counters. The technology allows them to know exactly how many riders are getting on and off at certain stops, and could be crucial information if they decide to add more routes.

“Is it a realistic possibility? I think based on our ridership needs it's something we'll continue to look at, sure,” Barnhart said.

Under federal government requirements TRANSPO can't get any new buses until 2011. So any opportunity for a more fuel-efficient fleet is still years away.

TRANSPO still plans to build a new maintenance and operations building in the old Studebaker Corridor, south of the South Bend police station.

But a spokesperson says they're working through some issues and the move is still a few years away.