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The rising cost of gasoline has changed the nature of the debate surrounding an increase in the state's gasoline tax. (MPR file photo)

High gasoline prices aren't just changing driving habits in Minnesota. They're also setting the stage for more debate over state transportation policy. Gasoline prices in state are still mostly below the national average of $2.80 per gallon. But they're high enough to convince more people to ride the bus. They're also high enough to convince public transportation advocates that it's time for a greater state investment in mass transit.

St. Paul, Minn. — After two major hurricanes disrupted the nation's gasoline production, President Bush called on Americans this week to drive less and conserve fuel. In Minnesota, Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced plans to park his SUV in favor of a new model that runs on a less expensive ethanol-blended fuel.

The rising cost of gasoline is definitely having an impact. Metro Transit reports ridership earlier this month on its suburban express routes jumped 10.5 percent above the average of the previous nine weeks. Spokesman Bob Gibbons said Metro Transit is reminding commuters of their options with a new advertising campaign. He said the message is getting through.

"They're willing to, instead of just getting in their car, consider the opportunity they have to not get in their car," Gibbons said. "To use public transportation, to consider a car pool or a van pool, or at a minimum say can I combine this trip I'm taking in may car with other trips so I'm chaining or linking my trips together? Rather than taking a trip to the grocery store, coming home, taking a trip to the dentist, taking the trip to the drug store, that sort of thing."

But the rising demand comes at a time when Metro Transit is least prepared to respond. Tight finances recently forced the agency to raise fares and cut service. Still, Gibbons said the system can accommodate some growth in ridership.

"We do have a little bit in reserve where we can in very selective ways add capacity," Gibbons said. "But we're not at a point where we can field a great deal of additional service, because our budget won't sustain that."

And that, according to public transit advocates, means the call for fuel conservation may go unanswered due to a lack of alternatives.

Leigh Schuster, executive director of Transit for Livable Communities, said structural changes are needed in Minnesota to ensure transportation options are available.

"Right now there are many more people who would like to use the transit system but can't because it's smaller, it's less convenient." Schuster said. "There aren't enough routes. The routes don't run as often. We need to make sure that those systems have as much investment as our roads systems so that people can actually make their own choice about how they'd like to behave."

Last spring, state lawmakers tried to fund road and transit improvements by raising the gas tax by 10 cents per gallon. Gov. Pawlenty stood by his pledge of no new taxes and quickly vetoed the measure.

Rep. Ron Erhardt, R-Edina, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, supported that tax increase. He said he hopes the administration understands that new spending is needed to improve mass transit.

"Some of those people are still living out on the farm and they forget that there are a lot of people in the metro area that have to be moved around," Erhardt said. "And a lot of them would prefer not to use their cars, especially with the high price of gas."

For his part, Gov. Pawlenty responded to gas prices this week by pushing for the wider use corn-based, ethanol fuel. His press secretary, Brian McClung, said it's a move that would reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil. McClung also defended his boss's stand on transportation. "What Gov. Pawlenty has always said is that he supports cost effective, smart transportation options," McClung said. "He doesn't care whether that's a car or a bus or light rail or commuter rail or a rickshaw or any type of transportation. Just so that it's cost effective and smart."

Minnesota voters get a chance next fall to weigh in on transportation funding. If approved, the constitutional amendment on the ballot would dedicate the state motor vehicle sales tax for improving roads and transit.