Oaklanders are flocking to hybrids and buses. Are gas prices driving a shift?

"Global gas prices have ballooned over the last two and a half months as Israel and the United Statesʻ war on Iran has cut off access to billions of dollars in oil, leading to a $30-per-barrel price increase and a 50% rise in gas prices. In California, gas prices have gone over a $6 a gallon on average."

"According to Oakland car dealerships we spoke with over the last few days, the last couple of months have seen an increase in sales of hybrid cars, which get much higher mileage. They haven't seen a huge uptick in the sale of electric vehicles, which take no gas, though. A sales representative from Oakland's Honda dealership told us over the phone that sales of the Prologue, their only EV, have not been substantially different since February, but that sales of their several models of hybrids are going "great.""

"At King Kog bicycle shop in downtown Oakland, a sales employee said the shop has seen an increase in electric bike sales and that people have "definitely" brought up gas prices as a reason to buy one. The employee said rebates like the one from Ava Community Energy have also helped. Other bike shops, such as The Towne Cycles in West Oakland, hasn't yet seen high gas prices drive a surge in bike or electric bike sales due to gas prices. David Boone, the shop owner, said many of their clientele already use bikes to commute, but he said he has heard some customers say they want to get their bikes fixed to save money."

"Meanwhile, transit usage has experienced a noticeable uptick during the same period when gas prices have surged. 'A major milestone' in transit use Last week, the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, or AC Transit, announced that the agency had seen the first year-over-year ridership increase over three consecutive months this decade, which the agency called "a major milestone in the East Bay's transit"

Global gas prices rose sharply after access to oil was cut off, pushing California averages above $6 a gallon. Oakland dealerships reported increased sales of hybrid vehicles with higher mileage, while electric vehicle sales showed little change. Bicycle shops in downtown Oakland reported higher electric bike sales, with customers citing gas prices and rebates as reasons for buying. Other bike shops had not yet seen a surge, though some customers asked about repairs to save money. Transit ridership also increased, with AC Transit reporting its first year-over-year ridership rise over three consecutive months in the decade.

Read at The Oaklandside