For Jodi Flatt, the jump at the pump means a lot more. She lives north of Columbia and doesn't run into town for just anything anymore.

"I go through a tank of gas every other day, and that's sad," said Flatt. "We have to wait until there's a long list of what we need and then we have to go to take care of errands."

Flatt says the gas guzzling drive to and from her daughter's school can prove pricey, and could put an end to her cheerleading.

"We told her if it goes up anymore, she'll just not have to do her activities," said Flatt.

This could prove to be a career ending blow for Flatt's daughter.

"She's wanted cheerleading to be a career and if we have to take her out of it, that's going to be pretty bad," said Flatt.

In less than 24 hours, one Columbia gas station's prices jumped from $3.49, up 16 cents to $3.69, then back down to $3.59 just hours later.

"Gas prices are really high right now and people are looking for other modes of transportation," said Jill Stedem, Columbia Public Works.

That's why Columbia Transit gave free rides Thursday and gave the opportunity for people to try Columbia Transit who might not have tried it before.

Back at the gas station, Flatt says the prices are too high to handle.

"We're now having to borrow money from our daughter, our oldest daughter who works, in order to make ends meet," said Flatt.

This is the first "Try Transit" Day the city has tried. They say if they see an increase in ridership, they'll implement more free-ride days in the future.