As Temperatures Rise, So Do Gas Prices

By: Sarah Iani
Posted In: News

Imagine that it’s sunny outside. You and your friends decide to take a day trip, away from tests, finals, and stress. As you hop into your SUV, your gas gauge reveals that you’re running on empty, and so you quickly drive down to your local gas station, only to find gas prices way above $2.

You are now faced with two choices: cancel your trip, or waste time (and gas) in pursuit of the cheapest gas station. Sound familiar? It should.

In recent months, gas prices have risen dramatically. According to the American Automobile Association, as of April 1, the national unleaded average was $2.16, compared with a month ago at $1.91, and a year ago at $1.75.

In Rhode Island alone, prices are now $2.10, when they were $1.92 a month ago and $1.77 a year earlier.

With summer steadily approaching, and no indication that these prices will drop anytime soon, the effects of these high prices are starting to be felt.

“I will probably be less likely to hop into my car to run a quick errand around town,” said Cheryl Hackett-Galvin, an English teacher at Salve. “I would walk instead.”

Hackett-Galvin commutes from Tiverton, RI, and spends about $40 to fill the tank of her Mercury Mountaineer. If prices continue rising, she would be spending about $100 a week to drive.

But Hackett-Galvin’s not the only one who is feeling the crunch. Senior Kristin Suslowicz spends about $50 to fill up the tank of her Jeep Grand Cherokee, and often searches for the cheapest gas station she can find.

So what’s a Salve student to do?

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, better known as RIPTA, is one alternative to gas price woes. The trolleys run regularly through Newport, and the buses to Providence leave from Gateway Center.

All RIPTA service is free with your Salve card, but is $1.50 for visitors. Schedules are available in Miley Hall, or at www.ripta.com.

Can’t live without your car? Go online to www.gasbuddy.com, or www.gaspricewatch.com.

These sites track the cheapest gas stations in your area, which can save you some time and money.

Or take to heart some of the suggestions made by the Federal Trade Commission in the summer of 2004: drive efficiently by staying within speed limits, avoiding quick starts, stops and unnecessary idling, using cruise control for highway driving, and removing extra weight from the trunk.

Choosing a fuel efficient automobile and maintaining it correctly also help to get the most out of gas mileage.

However, no matter what you do, walking through historic Newport is always an alternative, as Salve students did before RIPTA offered a bus route through campus.

“Newport’s charms are meant to be savored at a slow pace”, said Hackett-Galvin.

“I suggest students do a little more walking and take time to appreciate the city’s extraordinary architecture, history and culture. Newport truly is a pedestrian-friendly community.”