When it comes to rising fuel costs, commuters pay.

Whitney Mathews, Lenexa junior, has recently cut a shift where she works in Lenexa because the drive isn’t worth the cost. She spends an average of $35 to $40 a week on gas for her other shifts.

Mathews has thought about buying a hybrid car.

“I’ll be paying it off for a long time,” she said. “ But I think it’ll be a good investment in the long run.”

Carpooling with co-workers and spouses is another alternative for commuters.

Alex Hornbrook and her husband, who both work at the University, ride together every day from their home in Ozawkie, about 30 miles southwest of Lawrence.

But the couple still spends about $45 a week on gas.

Hornbrook had to take a part-time job to help cover costs.

“Because we spend so much money on gas, we can’t afford maintenance on the car,” Hornbrook, office manager for the department of linguistics, said.

Lindsay Scott, Emporia

ior, drives a total of 291 miles a week to get to and from her job in Kansas City, Mo.

Carpooling isn’t an option for

Scott because she doesn’t know anyone who works in the same area of Kansas City as she.

When she works full-time at her job, Scott tries to stay with friends in Kansas City during the week to save money for gas.

Gas prices have been cheaper where she works but she still spends about $30 a week.

Scott’s employer pays her extra because she has to commute. Though Scott appreciates the extra money, it really doesn’t help with added costs, she said.

The commuters said they didn’t expect prices to drop anytime soon. Until then, they will do what they can to save.