Around the Nation 4:00 am Thu March 15, 2012  Gas Prices Force
More People To Take Rural Transit    There is little question
that rising gas prices are making life miserable for lots of
motorists. But for small rural transit systems, it's both good
and bad news. Good because it brings more riders on board. Bad
because the cost of transporting them is busting budgets.
Charlotte Albright from Vermont Public Radio has this report.
CHARLOTTE ALBRIGHT, BYLINE: It stands to reason - and there's
data to prove it - that rural Americans on average drive more
than their urban counterparts. But what if they don't have cars
or can't afford gas?  This bright red van, operated by Rural
Community Transportation based in St Johnsbury, Vermont, is
literally a free ride for up to 20 usually sociable riders.
Regulars Charlotte Piadade and Beverly Withers live in the same
affordable housing project and always sit together. Piadade is
88, a three-time cancer survivor, and a widow.  CHARLOTTE
PIADADE: We ride all day and sometime