No Break in Rising Fuel Prices

Filling up on regular unleaded gasoline is no longer $20 or so dollars (depending on tank size) like it was a little over a half-decade ago. As a result, Vermonter's are feeling the weight on their wallets. Vermont residents are spending 60% more on liquid fuels than they were 5 years ago, a percent equivalent to $800 million. Even more, gas prices are expected to hit $4 a gallon by mid summer. With little relief in sight at the gas pump, people and businesses in the state are cutting their discretionary spending and looking to alternatives. Marble Valley Regional Transit District, a public-transit service in the Rutland region, has seen ridership increase as much as 35% on some routes in the past year. Furthermore, companies like Casella are adopting new limits on idling time. [Source: Rutland Herald]