Skyrocketing gas prices send travelers flocking to new transport — and it’s paying off

With gas prices in California skyrocketing beyond $6 a gallon, some travelers are ditching their cars — and it’s paying off.

Across Central Valley, commuters are flocking to public transportation in droves — hopping aboard trains in growing numbers — as crews report a noticeable uptick in ridership.

“Conductors and staff are seeing more people choosing to ride the train,” Ahdel Ahmed, a spokesperson for the agency, told CBS News.

The Gold Runner — formerly the Amtrak San Joaquins line — launched last year, connecting cities like Modesto, Merced, and Fresno, with routes running from Sacramento to Bakersfield.

The service, operated by the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority, says the cost gap between driving and rail can be steep.

Federal mileage estimates show driving from Sacramento to Bakersfield can run just over $200 when fuel and other costs are factored in. A train ticket for the same trip typically costs about $50, according to CBS.

Officials said ticket prices will remain unchanged for now, with some routes offering promotions, including family discounts and limited-time deals.

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