When it comes to taking the bus, some complain about the amount of time they may have to wait, or getting adjusted to the schedule for those new to the system. But as fuel prices continue to rise, thousands more in Central New York are taking the bus.

Centro has seen a 12% rise in ridership from the same time a year ago. They attribute it to two factors: fuel prices and improvements to service, which include replacing five buses, making transfers easier and adding a commercial drive stop.

With fuel costs increasing, the company expected a spike in the number of passengers, but not to the level it has seen this year.

"A year ago, I think we were really starting to feel the pinch, and our ridership...it was increasing slightly, but the numbers are so out of sight now, so it's truly hard to understand if it is all gas or improvements," said Ron Bucciero of Centro of Oneida, Inc.

Centro expects to know by October whether the increase is due to fuel prices or the changes it's made.

While some of the state aid Centro expected to get was cut, officials there don't expect to raise rates anytime soon.