Rock Region Metro ridership is up nearly 20,000 from this time last year. Passengers said the cost of operating a car in 2026 helped make their decision.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — As gas prices continue to rise, some in Arkansas have been looking to public transit for relief.
Across the country, the average gas price was nearly $4.50 as of May 5, with prices in Arkansas at about $3.95.
Both prices are around 50 cents away from the all-time high back in 2022.
Amid the spike, some have turned to Rock Region Metro—the public transit service for Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Conway.
“We are up 11.5% for ridership,” said Ateca Foreman, who is the Chief of Staff for Rock Region Metro. “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in ridership in our first four months here in 2026.”
It seems like that increase could have something to do with increased fuel prices.
In January 2026, Rock Region Metro had nearly 2,000 more riders than in January 2025.
However, as gas prices began to climb in February, so did ridership.
This culminated in April of 2026, where Rock Region Metro had nearly 20,000 more riders than the year before.
“There are Metro Connect vans in Conway,” Foreman said. “And, you can book a ride, and that’ll be way cheaper than having to put gas in your car.”
It’s not just Foreman, or the data making this point.
Riders who were interviewed on Tuesday said the same thing.
“I think Rock Region Metro is a really great alternative for those that want to save money,” said Dustin Beeson of Little Rock.
“I’d do it any day,” said Marita Nelson of North Little Rock. “As opposed to trying to support the cost of a car now.”
So, what exactly are these prices?
There are many different options, but Foreman said most people go with a one-way fare of $1.35 or get a 31-day pass for $36.00.
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