Weekend Gas Lines Ease Up in NY

Lines that stretched a dozen Manhattan blocks earlier in the week at some stations were far shorter

At least for one day, drivers in the New York region seem to be getting a break from spending hours in gas lines after Sandy.
 
Around New York City, drivers still waited longer than usual Saturday at stations. But the lines that stretched a dozen Manhattan blocks earlier in the week at some stations were far shorter.

Gas rationing began Thursday in the city and on Long Island to relieve frustration and long lines at the pump as the region continues to recover from damage to fuel distribution caused by Sandy .

Drivers with license plates ending in an even number can purchase fuel only on even-numbered days and drivers with plates ending in an odd number can buy on odd-numbered days. Vanity plates or those that don't end in a number will be considered odd. Out-of-state drives must also comply with the rationing program.

In Brooklyn, drivers Saturday waited about 20 minutes at most -- much less than in previous days.
 
But on Staten Island, the few open stations were busier, with about 20 cars lined up on one street amid stalled traffic. 
 
No one knows exactly what will happen in the coming week as commuters and businesses look for fuel to keep going.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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