By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

The most talked-about result of rising gas prices is the ever-increasing cost of driving a car. With prices at the pump continually creeping up, everyday trips to  the supermarket or department store can really start to add up.

However, members of the Riderwood community continue to enjoy free transportation to local destinations and pay only a nominal fee for special trips throughout the Washington, D.C. area.

Crunching the numbers
Over the summer months the price of gasoline topped $140 a barrel causing prices at the pump to exceed $4.00 a gallon.

Unfortunately, those most affected by these escalating costs are people living on a fixed income. In a recent survey, AARP found that “59% of Americans ages 65 or older reported having more trouble paying for food, gas, and medicine.”

At Riderwood, community members enjoy the option of leaving their gas-guzzling cars at home and instead utilize the campus’ inclusive transportation services. Over the past year Riderwood shuttles have traveled more than 170,000 miles, logging more than 10,000 trips to shopping, banking, entertainment, and other locations. Beyond convenience, Riderwood’s transportation services have saved community members upwards of $80,000 in direct gasoline expenses.

“The ability to run errands or visit interesting places without worrying about filling the gas tank or finding a place to park is priceless,” says Riderwood’s Transportation Manager William Meier.

“I think I’m a lucky person, being able to travel where I need to go at no cost,” says John Worthington, who’s lived at Riderwood for the past eight years.

Shopping without filling the tank
In addition to providing weekly scheduled transportation to local shopping centers and malls, Riderwood shuttles provide transportation to both the Glenmont and the Greenbelt metro station, included in the monthly service packages.