ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — The high price of getting from point A to point B getting you down? Not much left in the pocket after you fill up the family gas pig?

Help is rolling on the road beside you — the Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System has your back,

More commonly known as “BRATS,” the system of smaller buses crisscrosses the county with schedules that get most where they need to go at minimal cost, especially when you consider the cost of gas and parking. A complete schedule can be found on the Baldwin County Web site, co.baldwin.al.us/PageView.asp?edit_id=174. There is even a “historic ride,” designed to showcase Baldwin County’s unique history for parties of at least 15. Call 972-6817 for more information.

“The overall ridership has changed, and more people are thinking about public transit,” said Taylor Rider, the system’s director.

“Usually the riders are the elderly, the disabled and low-income,” he continued, “but with the increase in gas prices we are seeing more judges, lawyers and bankers on our BayLinc route.”

BayLinc connects with Mobile’s “Wave” transport system, allowing commuters to get pretty much where they need to go. There have been two routes, but a third was added at the end of June to handle the increased demand. BRATS fares for BayLinc run from $1 to $3, depending on how far you need to go and where you catch the bus.

But, even BRATS is facing the high cost of fuel. The system uses both gas and diesel.

“We have tried staying away from increasing the fare,” said Rider. “We have been looking for more federal grants and for more money from the (county) Commission.”

Rider says his background is in “the financial field,” which comes in handy steering the transportation company around the current spike in fuel prices. He came to BRATS about three years ago.

But, crunching numbers left Rider dissatisfied.

“I am a people person,” said Rider. “I like promoting public transit.”

Besides the commuter buses, BRATS offers Dial-A-Ride, a way for people with appointments to schedule a bus ride. There are also work routes, routes for patients to kidney dialysis, physical therapy, and cancer treatments. There are also routes for the Association for Retarded Citizens, and to Baldwin County Mental Health.

“We have also added a “juror’s route” to the courthouse in Bay Minette,” said Rider, explaining that many summoned to jury duty have found the service expensive for gas and parking.

“We ask people to pay a low fare, which is reimbursed by the court,” said Rider, adding that the program is sponsored in part by a subsidy from the court system.

While catching the bus means working around a schedule, Rider says riders gain a lot from taking public transportation.

“People are always very appreciative,” said Rider. “It gives people some downtime, time to read the paper. They don’t have to worry about parking, and they are doing something good for the environment.”