If we all drove a little smarter, consolidating trips, more planning, and took the bus more often we'd save a bundle on gas, help the environment, and eventually bus schedules would also improve.

I'm waiting for the next "boycott" where some horses a** suggest that no one buy gas on a certain day --- of course what happens is more gas is purchase some other day; some boycott!

Better would be for each of us to choose a day we don't drive. I don't even call it a boycott, just conservation.

I am taking more road trips this year then last I think. Gas prices were high last summer too. I do notice that airfare is a bit more for our annual summer trip to florida but not by enough to keep us from going.

Arnold, only around 28% of a barrel of crude oil is used for gasoline.

(the percentage is higher once the barrel is refined because it takes about 1/3 of the barrel of crude oil in the refining process)

Our driving trip will probably cost about $80.00 more in gas there and back than it would have last year, so yes, we'll still go. I agree with Viamar, though, that I have been trying to consolidate trips around town, but I've been doing this for awhile.

$2.40/gallon is almost a bargain in the San Francisco Bay Area. We pay more for environmentally friendlier gas - regimented by the state.

But yes, I'd prefer if the U.S. would get off gasoline and onto something more sustainable. Can't we do something with corn?

And boy would I love to see a huge luxury tax on vehicles like Hummers (I'm sorry, but I can't help but think that Hummer owners suffer from low self-esteem).

Well, SFImporter, it seems for some, buying one is the only way they'll ever get a good hummer.

For another take on the Hummer, see the following link:
http://www.fuh2.com/

Looking at these gas prices, I'm glad that I'm able to get by mostly on my monthly subway pass (although I rented a car a couple of months ago for an out of town trip, and filling it up was no fun). All that money I've saved from when my car went kaput last year I'm looking forward to spending on my next vacation (yes, I miss it sometimes, but just wasn't worth it to replace where I live).

Hi

can someone tell me roughly what the gas prices are currently?

Chrissie(UK)

If you are not renting RV and driving for two-three weeks in Alaska you shouldn't feel a big difference. Glad we are not renting RV during our trips West and to Alaska.
Still gas prices are lower than in Europe.

http://www.gasbuddy.com/

you can search cities in the US and Canada.

In the UK we are paying about seven dollars a gallon for petrol and deisel

Chrissie, yesterday I saw on the news that the US national average is now $2.10 for regular unleaded gasoline. We pay a little more in Florida. People pay a lot more in California. It varies from state to state and from station to station. But it any case, for someone coming from the US, it will all seem such a bargain, less than half the price you pay there!

However, in my short stint (3 mos) living in the UK, I noticed that much less driving was required for day to day life than in most of the US.

Makes me glad that I drive a hybrid

Vittrad is quite correct. America is more spread out than Europe. Distances in Europe are short. One can drive west coast-east coast in Ireland and cover it in about 3 hours. In comparison, my commute to work is 55 miles one way and takes one hour, twenty minutes on a good day.

Careful Dick. Patrick may be critical of you.

The extra cost for the hybrid was partially offset by..

1. No state sales tax on hybrids
2. $2000. federal tax deduction

Huh? Why would I be critical of Dick's comment? He gave a reason why he's glad he drives a hybrid which relates to the question asked. Makes good sense.
I was "critical" of you, ahhnold, when you defended your statement as having nothing to do with the original question, that's all.

God knows, I'm all for everyone driving a hybrid. I'm sorry if someone misinterpreted my comments about the cost of purchasing a hybrid as indicating you shouldn't get one.

For a while, Virginia (I dont live there) allowed hybrids registered in the state to use the HOV lanes....that would be a big plus.

Happy Easter Patrick!