HICKORY, N.C. — We’re all feeling the pain at the pump. But high gas prices aren’t just impacting drivers -- they’re also impacting public transit across the Carolinas.
In Hickory, Greenway Public Transportation, which serves several counties in the foothills, saw its fuel costs rise to nearly $40,000 a month.
Right now, if you get on a bus, the fare is $1.25 to ride in Hickory. The director told Channel 9‘s Dave Faherty of the last things they want to do is increase those prices for riders who are already struggling.
This year alone, Greenway Public Transportation is expecting more than 100,000 riders. The public transit system serves Catawba, Caldwell, Burke and Alexander counties and has 59 buses and vans.
Before the latest spike in fuel costs, over the last two weeks, GPT averaged around $35,000 per month to fill up those vehicles. Now, they’re estimating that number will jump another $10,000 per month with the latest increases.
Hickory- Greenway Public Trans.has seen its fuel costs soar to more than 40000 dollars a month. Those numbers could climb even higher with the recent spike. Hear what the director told us when we asked if fares would go up or routes would be cut tonight on channel 9 at six. pic.twitter.com/HF7Se9134y
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) June 8, 2022
“First we’re gonna look at what grant funding we get,” said Executive Director Kim Angel. “The FTA has increased the amounts of grant funds over the next year or two so we’re hoping we can draw down off of that.”
Not only are they trying to cover those higher prices, but they also are paying for salary increases because of inflation.
The Federal Transit Administration and the NC Department of Transportation provide two-thirds of the Greenway Public Transportation’s annual $6.1 million budget. That budget is expected to increase next year to $6.9 million. Faherty asked riders like John Mullen what happens if fares go up.
“It is what it is. You still have to get to places,” Mullen said. “Still gonna be cheaper than with the gas prices.”
The agency says it doesn’t want to put the burden on its riders who are already struggling. The director told Faherty they will look into getting some additional grant funding.
Faherty spoke with some of those riders on Wednesday about the need for public transit in the Hickory area. Many people said they don’t have other options.
“Medical, dental, food shopping plus much more,” Tina Clemons said.
“Monday through Friday, I ride the bus to get to work,” Raziah Whitener said. “So it is very important for me because I don’t have any transportation.”
When asked, Greenway Public Transportation said it hasn’t cut any routes at this point, but nothing is off the table.
The worst may still be yet to come as gas prices continue to rise. Oil prices are the the biggest component in that number, and Goldman Sachs is forecasting crude oil prices will average $140 per barrel this summer. It’s currently around $120 a barrel.
In Charlotte, average gas prices are at $4.59 -- four cents lower than the state average. In South Carolina, it’s $4.56 per gallon.
The national average is creeping closer to $5 per gallon.
(WATCH BELOW: NC lawmakers propose gas tax rebate for drivers due to spike in fuel prices)
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