HBCU Writers's Project
For Immediate Release
January 09, 2010
Contact Information

Brittany Roberson
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

(BPRW) The Affects of Gas Prices on Student Travelers

(BLACK PR WIRE/FAMU-TALLAHASSEE) – The price of gas has student travelers looking for means of transportation. According to students, the price of gas has had an effect on utility cost, food prices, and higher cost of airplane tickets. Jessica Grybeck, a senior at Florida State University, says the price of gas affects how much she travels back home. “When I travel back home, I try to schedule family time, doctor check ups and other appointments at one time to eliminate excess travel and payment of gas.”
While some students struggle with gas prices, other students utilize more cost-efficient means of travel. The Greyhound Bus Line travels throughout the country and runs 24 hours a day, with incentives such as the student advantage card and half price shipping for moving expenses. This is an inexpensive method of travel, according to Derrick Porter, a manager at a Greyhound Bus Line. “It is convenient because we run everywhere,” Porter said. “It is cheaper than buying a gallon of gas.”

According to Porter, students can also purchase a non-refundable ticket that is cheaper than a regular price fare. A bus trip leaving on a Friday from Tampa to Tallahassee cost $47.50 regularly. With the student advantage card, the price would be $40.38 after taxes for a 247-mile trip. “The bus prices have not changed even though the gas prices have,” Porter said.

Since gas prices have increased, Florida A&M University has experienced an increased participation in the spirit bus, a charter bus funded by the student government association that takes students to out-of-town games at a discount price. “I decided to travel with the spirit bus because everything was included and the prices were fair,” said Nicole Skeete, a senior health care management student from Orlando, Florida.