The price of gas in the Capital climbed overnight, leaving many motorists wondering when they might see some relief at the pumps. Others are taking matters into their own hands.

Gas prices at several stations in Ottawa are more than $1.24 for a litre of regular gasoline and expected to climb this weekend. Some stations are selling gas for as much as $1.29 per litre, prices not seen since Hurricane Katrina sent prices climbing in the summer of 2005.

This has pushed many Ottawa residents to bike and take the bus. OC Transpo recently reported that ridership in the Capital is up by about four percent.

And for those who like to travel in style, like Ottawa resident Godfrey Lee, there is the Mercedes-built Smart Car - one of the most fuel-efficient cars in Canada, according to Natural Resources Canada.

"Every two weeks, I fill it up with about 20 bucks," he told CTV Ottawa.

The Smart Car starts at $14,900 and a federal rebate will take another $2,000 off.

At Star Motors, they're going in circles trying to keep Smart Cars in stock.

"We're selling as many as we can get. In fact, we have customers waiting for cars up to two, three months right now," said Paul Waite, general manager of Star Motors.

Small cars have been down this road before with popularity peaking during times of high oil prices, like during the oil shocks of the 1970s.

So, who's buying "Smart" these days? It seems like just about every demographic.

"It's a safe micro-car; very high safety ratings. It's designed for the inner city. We're selling an awful lot of cars for people who are commuting to and from Cornwall, Arnprior, up the (Ottawa) Valley," said Waite.

Lee gives his Smart Car top billing.

"I think it's been great to drive. A lot of fun. It saves gas and I haven't found it to be inconvenient. I mean, it's a two-seater, but in city travel, that's fine," he said.

Small car sales tends to drop as gas prices decline, but only an energy crystal ball can forecast if that will ever happen again.

How are you coping with high gas prices? Share your comments.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Norm Fetterley