Although gas prices have dropped in recent weeks, gas prices are still higher than they were a year ago, and coupled with a high inflation rate,, many parents are finding themselves with less money to support their children.

This is happening all over the world, and Inman, S.C., is no exception. While Inman gas prices may be lower than in places like California or New York, there are still many parents struggling to pay for a round trip to school and work each day.

According to apta.com, 50% of children in America ride buses. The PDRTA has seen a 40% increase after the gas prices in Florence, SC according to wpde.com. 

Also, public transport like the Washington Metro has increased slightly since March, according to marketplace.org. This might just be because of the growing gas prices and inflation that are affecting our country.

When parents realize that free public transportation for their children is more reliable than car rides, they will start to take advantage of the opportunity. This leads to a rise in bus riders in schools everywhere.

This is happening in South Carolina. Tonya Wilson, one of Chapman’s main bus drivers, elaborates on what that means.

“There has been an increase in students that ride the bus this year,” Wilson said. “I do believe that the increase in gas prices has a lot to do with it.” 

Since bus riders are on the rise, this could affect a lot of things such as long rides home and a need for more bus drivers 

“Most definitely, we need more bus drivers,” Wilson said. Students have recognized changes in the bus as well.

“Yeah I have seen more people ride the bus,” said sophomore, Krystal Lopez. “That’s why sometimes on the bus it’s three people per seat because there aren’t enough seats.” 

Some people, however, say that correlation between gas prices and bus riding may not be as strong as others suggest.

“I would say no, it’s not really affecting it much,” economics teacher Chris Dowdell said. “Because most parents consider (driving their kids to work) part of their day, and it’s a part of their route to get to work. Now, there may be some parents that yeah, it (gas prices) affects them. But I would say just, on the whole, I don’t think it’s a measurable impact.”