Are Valley residents finding alternate transportation routes as gas prices soar? 

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - Experts estimate gas prices have raised more than $1.20 a gallon since the start of the war in Iran. Now it's raising the question on if some are considering taking public transportation, carpooling, or even cycling to beat the costs. 

It's a story News Channel 3 has followed for weeks, documenting how drivers are faring under new pressures.

Palm Desert mom Jazmine Meza says it's all adding up, "It was $5.59 yesterday, and then today it's $5.75. I'm just like, well, I should have just pumped gas yesterday, because you never know when the gas price is going to continue to go up."

She's not the only one. Ron Towner of Cathedral City says gas prices have kept him home entirely.

"I'm a stay at home father, so I stay home more. Life got a little boring," Towner said.

News Channel 3 got curious and checked how long it would take to get from our station in Thousand Palms to Palm Springs Airport.

Apple Maps routed it as a 21 minute car ride, but using a public transportation bus, the commute jumps to an hour and 15 minutes, 2 bus changes and 30 minutes of walking.

"I've considered carpooling, but not taking the bus. It's too much time," Meza said.

SunLine Transit Agency says they're aware of the accessibility issues that keep some drivers from using their services.

"We're going out in the community and asking for their opinions with several surveys. Some feedback that we have been getting is that it takes too long for me to get from one place to another or, there isn't a bus stop near me." Carmen Cubero said.

She claims they haven't noticed an influx in riders yet, but could have more concrete numbers by May.

"Our ridership is a big amount of people that don't have cars or, employee in the Valley that are getting to their hospitality jobs. A lot of students too," Cubero said.

It's the cost of convenience that doesn't show any sign of letting up soon.

For more information on local gas prices, visit: https://kesq.com/gas-gauge/.