Recent record high prices at the gas pumps have consumers looking at public transit as an affordable alternative to driving their own vehicles.
A survey put out by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Canadian Urban Transit Association reports consumers want to take public transit, but lack of buses and trains plus long waiting times are acting as a deterrent.
More than 40 per cent of those involved in the survey said they would seriously consider taking local transit if gas prices continue to rise.
The survey, released Monday, compiled answers from 1,100 Canadians and responses suggested a large increase in ridership, which could put a strain on an already over-extended system.
The groups in charge of conducting the survey said the federal government must put more money into these systems.
They also suggested the effect of gas prices on consumers will be on the minds of voters in the event of an election this autumn.
