Rise in Fuel Prices has People in a Pinch

Significantly high diesel prices have those dependent on the fuel in a pinch. Averaging $3.62 a gallon last month in Vermont diesel is putting extra stress on the state's farmers and other users. The Vermont Transit Co., the states only interstate bus service and a dependent diesel user, is seeing a significant rise in operating costs. Currently, they are paying 50 cents a mile for fuel whereas last year they were paying 32 cents and in 2005 only 23 cents. Chris Andreasson, Vermont Transit Co. general manager says thankfully ridership is up 5 to 15 percent from last year depending on the route. Marble Valley Region Transit District (aka The Bus) has also felt the pressure of rising diesel prices. The Bus uses 150,000 gallons of diesel a year and in attempt to become more environmentally friendly recently made the switch to biodiesel. The downside, however, states spokeswoman for the Bus, Ellen Atkinson, is biodiesel costs 5 cents more per gallon, and although worth it, it is still an additional cost tacked on to already high prices. [Source: Rutland Herald]