The Cost of Commuting
Joanna Taylor
Issue date: 9/12/05 Section: On Campus
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While Clearwater, Florida, has received no damage from hurricanes this year, CCC students, as are all Americans, experiencing some of the effects of Katrina, especially the soaring gasoline prices.
Every time students go to fill up a gas tank, they are reminded that the hurricane is affecting all Americans. Students that have been affected the most by the rapid price changes are commuters who live off campus with roommates or families. Distances ranging from four miles to forty-five miles in Florida rush hour traffic can already be wearisome, without adding fuel frustration.
Though prices have come down a bit since, on Friday, September 2, Governor Jeb Bush announced that Florida held enough gas for only six more days. This announcement sent Tampa Bay residents into a frenzy causing many gas stations to run out of gas that evening.
Nicole Gibson, a senior who lives off campus with her family, shared her concern. "I have to get to school. Without gas I can't go to classes."
Nicole and her roommate went to the nearest gas station that evening, filling up four, 5-gallon gas cans as well as topping off the car's tank. Her total was more than 75 dollars. She is only one of many commuters who are faced with the possibility of not having enough gas or money for gas to get to school every morning.
Bekah White, also a senior commuter, has her own plans if the worst possible scenario becomes reality. "As soon as I get the funds I am buying a ten-speed bike to ride to school and back every day." Although this plan works great for Bekah, who lives four miles from campus, it is not practical for those who live ten or more miles away.
With room and board costing more than $5,000 for the year, commuters might start wondering if living off campus is really worth it. Nicole's answer to this, "The experience of living off campus, to me, is still priceless."
Though living off campus may have both advantages and disadvantages, one increasing disadvantage is the rising cost of commuting to and from classes.