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Better economy, lower gas prices mean more people hitting the road

Mike Mozart
/
Flickr

This weekend kicks off the summer travel season. And according to one travel group, it’s going to be a busy one.

Every year, AAA does a survey of members to find out if they’re traveling over Memorial Day. Results this year show it will the busiest Memorial Day on the road in the last decade, according to AAA of Western and Central New York Spokeswoman Diana Dibble. Estimates are that 32 million Americans will hit the road, in large part because of an improving economy and lower gas prices. This could bode well for a busy summer overall.

"We are anticipating more travel this summer, because the same fundamentals are in place. We still have an improving economy, improving consumer confidence, and compared to years past, we have lower gas prices,” said Dibble.

Gas prices in central New York, according to the AAA currently stand at an average of $2.72 a gallon, down $1.08 compared to last year. Summer gas prices haven’t been this low in more than five years.

"We know as of late, prices have been creeping up, but in the larger scheme of things, when you compare year over year, it does represent quite a significant savings.” 

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.