ABC News is reporting that gas prices are predicted to rise to an average of $4.00 per gallon by this May - with some major cities at almost $5.00.

While this does substantially raise operating costs for railroads, because of their fuel efficiency it gives them an advantage over trucks. Public transit (Amtrak et al) usually sees increased demand, but they are generally unable to increase capacity because it takes several years to obtain finding and get new equipment built.

Hopefully we can still afford the gas to see other railroads in the region - and people still have jobs that create the demand for public transit.