YOUNGSTOWN - WRTA is offering up a solution to the Valley's remarkably high gas prices: take the bus.

A new marketing campaign can be seen on TV, social media, and digital signs reading, 'Gas Prices Too High? Give WRTA a try.'

"Valley residents could save a lot of money on gas by riding WRTA to work 3-5 times a week." says Dean Harris, Executive Director of WRTA. "Remember, riding on WRTA is free, and there are still a lot of Mahoning County residents who live close to, and could take advantage of, our fixed routes."

It appears the push to take the bus instead is already making an impact.

"Ridership is up 31% since these prices hit our market." says Harris. "We're encouraging everyone to just try our service. You may like it and save a lot of money."

Harris says that the commute to and from work is typically the largest portion of money people put into their cars, estimating that taking the bus to work could save people 50 to 80% of the money they spend on gas.

Riding the bus won't only help your wallet, it's good for the environment, too. Less cars on the road means less air pollution, including ozone damaging emissions from gas powered vehicles.