WACO, Texas (KXXV) — Gas prices in the Waco area are averaging more than $4 a gallon, with diesel pushing past $5 — and for some Central Texans, that's changing how they get around.
Desarius Harvey Woods, a Waco resident, said the choice to ride the bus comes down to simple math.
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"When you ride in the city bus, like $3.01 dollar… a lot cheaper than gas. Yes, it is."
Woods said public transit is the most practical option right now.
"I mean right now the bus is the best option because it's a bus available to everybody."
He said he has no reservations about making the switch.
"I don't mind riding the bus. I like riding the bus."
Woods is not alone. Waco Transit bus driver Lydia Pelt said she is seeing more people make the same choice.
"The rise in gas prices… expenses are going higher, but the wages are not increasing… so it's definitely impacting everybody."
For Pelt, the job goes beyond moving passengers from stop to stop — it's about helping people navigate difficult financial times.
"I enjoy helping everybody… if I see somebody… not having those resources… I'll go out of my way to help anybody."
Pelt said the increased demand is visible on her routes every day.
"A lot more… daily commuters… utilizing our services for sure."
Woods said whether he's catching a city bus around Waco or a Greyhound for a trip out of town, he rides whatever works best for his wallet.
"When I'm here in Waco, I normally take the bus because it's a great transit."
With gas prices continuing to fluctuate, many in Central Texas may be sticking with public transit as a solution.
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