Tips for drivers as summer gas prices remain high

Gas prices soared from $1.30 to nearly $2 a gallon in recent weeks, stretching many budgets thin. But there's potentially good news on the horizon. Bernard Weinstein, professor of applied economics and director of the University Center for Economic Development and Research, says soaring fuel pump prices should stabilize soon.

"I don't think gas prices are really going to go much higher," he says. "Perhaps another 5 to 10 cents, but they'll probably stay about where they are for the next four months, and then they should begin to fall."

However, when prices do fall, they're not likely to return to much lower than $1.60, Weinstein says.

"That's partly because of the current world climate and partly because of increased demand worldwide," he says. "There are 1.2 million Chinese who are buying cars for the first time."

There are a few things consumers can do to seek relief. The first is curbing personal consumption by car pooling, driving slower and avoiding fast accelerations, and driving more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Another is to seek the lowest prices. Two Internet sites — GasPriceWatch.com and GasBuddy.com — monitor and post the latest pump prices with the help of thousands of volunteers. Both sites are searchable by location and brand.

Joe Richmond, associate director of transportation services at UNT, suggests a third option — take the e-trans bus, at least around campus.

"We hit a home run this year with the bus system in terms of our students' usage, but for faculty and staff it's still not part of their mindset," he says. "We're creating a 10-minute transportation world, and that makes using the buses a convenient option for running errands across campus."

Those looking to save gas by not using it can consider using e-trans or LINK — the City of Denton's buses which all UNT faculty and staff can ride for free with their ID — to get to work.

During the fall and spring semesters, e-trans offers routes that pick people up from off-campus locations, including a stop at the Golden Triangle Mall. An e-trans bus leaves from the mall every 10-15 minutes between 7:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Richmond says. For exact departure times, see the e-trans web site www.unt.edu/etrans.

"While most folks would still have to drive to the mall, they wouldn't have to pay for a parking permit," Richmond says.

BY KELLEY REESE kreese@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• UNT administrator Walt Parker receives ring from Super Bowl III
• Hastings to serve as School of Library and Information Sciences interim dean
• Construction on Eagle Drive expected to begin soon
• UNT parking permits for 2003-04 for sale soon through intercampus mail
• Historically Underutilized Business Fair brings many vendor options to campus
• Fireworks at Fouts the day before Independence Day
• UNT offers several summer dining choices
• Texas Juneteenth tradition has roots in 1865 Galveston

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