People in Rapid City may be rethinking the concept of using the city bus to get to work or school.

Rich Sagen, transit manager for Rapid Transit System in Rapid City, said a large percentage of people are aware of the city's bus service, but until now, haven't taken steps to use it.

"People may be thinking that because of fuel prices, maybe this is the time to give it a try. It's a good value," Sagen said.

Statistics show that more people are taking the bus - almost 10 percent more in March alone.

"What we're seeing is that some people are making a conscious decision to park the car and take the bus," Sagen said.

"We will have 337,000 annual trips this year based on what we have done through the end of March," he said. "We feel pretty comfortable we will have double-digit percentage increase in ridership for the year."

And some of those new riders are students whose parents see great value in buying a $15 monthly Rapid Ride pass, Sagen said.

"We've had some parents in who tell the kids: 'This is what you are going to do, whether you like it or not.' It's a viable option for many parents," he said.

Rapid Transit buses run on diesel fuel - priced this month at $3.90 a gallon. Sagen admits that the passenger fares don't meet expenses, but like many bus services in cities throughout the county, Rapid Transit receives subsidies from the city of Rapid City, state of South Dakota and the Federal Transit program to operate.

In addition to the $15 student pass, Rapid Transit offers a $25 adult pass for unlimited rides in a month.

It currently costs $1 to ride the bus on a single trip, with free transfers, but the city has hired a consulting firm to look at its fare structure.

"The study should be completed late summer, with a formal presentation made to the city," Sagen said.

What does it cost to ride Rapid Ride

$1 per ride, transfers are free.

50 cents per ride for those older than 60 or those with a Medicare card

$15 for a monthly student pass

$25 for a monthly adult pass