Volunteer bus considers fare hike due to fuel cost
Fellrunner Village BusA volunteer-run bus helping rural residents get around may hike its fares to keep up with rising fuel costs.
War between Iran and the US and a stalemate over access to the Strait of Hormuz have led to steep rises in petrol and diesel prices across the world.
The Fellrunner Village Bus, which provides routes to Penrith and Carlisle from villages not served by public transport, said the costs of running the service had gone up 25%.
Chairman Kevin McGilloway said the group had budgeted for about £13,000 in diesel this year, but now the forecast was closer to £17,000.
"For a small voluntary organisation like us, it's a big hit," he said.
"I'm afraid inevitably we'll end up passing the cost on to our customers in the form of higher fares and possibly a fuel supplement on the private hire and excursion work we do."
Fare prices range from £3.30 to £4.90 for a single journey, with the day saver rate costing £5.
Fellrunner Village BusMcGilloway said while the organisation did not want to reduce the service, the option may have to be considered if prices continue to rise.
"That's the last thing we want to do," he said.
"Our customers rely on us, they live in villages where there is no other form of transport."
Earlier this month oil prices had plunged after an agreement to pause the conflict was announced, but rose again when talks broke down.
Ian Chambers, who owns a garage in Tirril near Penrith, said: "I honestly can't see fuel coming down for a good number of weeks."
McGilloway said the Fellrunner trustees were due to meet next week to discuss options.
In the meantime they were looking at ways to manage fuel use better, such as not leaving the bus idle unnecessarily and reducing air conditioning use where possible.
McGilloway said bus pass holders would continue to travel for free, however he was concerned any fare rise would have a "disproportionate effect" on low income families.
"We will do whatever we can to mitigate impact on our loyal passengers," he said.
