By Noah Bierman, Boston Globe

High gas prices may be sending more commuters to public transportation, with an 8.3 percent spike in MBTA trips in January and February compared with a year ago.

Almost every category � commuter rail, subway, bus � saw big increases this year in the number of riders, according to statistics released by the MBTA. Commuter boat traffic was the exception as some riders probably fled to the new Greenbush commuter rail line.

The T can use the money. The agency has a heavy debt load and plans to dip into its reserves to cover operating expenses beginning in July. The T last hiked fares in January 2007.

Did you switch to the T because of high gas prices? Tell the Globe, and be sure to include your phone number.