Transit systems feeling high-fuel-cost pain

U.S. transit systems are considering cutting service and laying off staff to meet rising diesel fuel prices. Fuel increases could cost public transportation systems as much as $750 million more a year, according to an Associated Press story. Systems such as the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) are also considering adding fuel surcharges. The authority is spending $3.65 a gallon for diesel fuel -- $1.44 more per gallon than it had anticipated, said the AP. UTA, which hopes to make up for a $2 million shortfall, is proposing a 25-cent-per-ride fuel surcharge. Systems nationwide have taken hits to their budgets due to skyrocketing fuel prices including Albany, N.Y.-based Capital District Transit Authority, which is expecting to pay $900,000 more for fuel by the end of its fiscal year. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority projects a $20 million surge in fuel costs this fiscal year, double what it had projected last month. In Denver, the Regional Transit District is expecting to be $11 million over budget for the year.