Garrett Rogers. (Aspen Langley)
By Aspen Langley
Are students and faculty affected by rising gas prices?
Since late February, the national average price of a gallon of gas has risen by more than a dollar, putting pressure on commuters.
At Cape Cod Community College, where most students and faculty rely on personal vehicles, carpooling or public transportation, the increase is affecting daily routines and budgets.
Emilia Welch-Viens, a performing arts student, said she frequently drives to New Hampshire, Boston and areas west of the city, making gas a major expense. Despite getting 42 miles per gallon, she spends about $120 a week on gas during heavy travel periods. “If I don’t have to spend money on gas, I won’t,” she said.
Claire Koosa, a general studies student, said she commutes more than an hour to campus each day. “I live over an hour away from campus, and that’s not even counting that I have to drive to my jobs.” She said the commute from Norfolk to Hyannis costs “40 dollars almost once a week.”
Faculty members are also adjusting. Professor Krystin St. Onge said her commute from Falmouth now costs about $50 a week, up from $30. “I’ve reduced my driving on my off days to save money so that I can get to campus,” she said.
Students with shorter commutes say they are noticing the impact as well. Mary Steinhilber, a student, said she typically puts $20 in her tank because she mainly drives between home and campus, but “[gas] goes by pretty quickly.”
“I have to be conscious about it now, when before I didn’t really have to,” she said, despite working three jobs.
Not everyone is affected equally. Professor Kate Martin said rising gas prices have had little impact because she drives a hybrid vehicle.
“Not so much, I have a hybrid [car],” she said. “I don’t fill my tank up because I don’t need to.”
She added, “I see [the rising prices], but it’s not hitting my pocketbook.”
Some students expressed broader frustration. Garrett Rogers said, “I don’t drive a ton, but like, it’d be cool if I could drive someplace and not worry about taking out a mortgage to pay for [it].”
As gas prices rise, commuters at the college are adjusting by limiting travel and watching their spending more closely.
