Gas prices have reached astronomical heights. In place of the $2.40 per gallon average drivers dealt with in July, the cost has jumped to $3.49 or even $3.69 per gallon. 

“Even last summer, when prices weren’t so high, I rode my bike everywhere,” Therese Wyckledt said.

This enormous inflation has caused many students to rethink their driving habits and rely more on the aid of fellow drivers or the mass transportation system. 

Speculation on the cause of the swelled rates range from the ever-popular, “It’s Bush’s fault,” to the possibility of the finite amount of fossil fuel being offset by the world’s rapidly multiplying number of drivers. 

“There are more people driving now, and maybe the gas is running out,” Bella Yushuvayey said.

But thoughts on the possibility of even higher prices are hard to swallow. In that case, drivers would be hard-put to make the decision between keeping their wallets full or continuing to enjoy their comfy ride.

The mass transportation system seems to be thriving, as the busy bus schedule and active roads clearly demonstrate.  Despite the financial strain, the convenience of driving a car far outweighs the hassles of finding other transportation. 

New York citizens, and college students in particular, know that momentum is the key to continuing all things, including maintaining the use of a car.  Even if gas stations begin charging double the current asking price, the common feeling on the college campus is to keep the car and deal with the cost.