by KYW's John Ostapkovich

SEPTA, which operates hundred of diesel-burning buses, says the situation is under control even though fuel prices are going through the roof.

It costs more to operate a bus now than even a short while ago. Septa's fiscal 2009 budget, approved last week, contains about $15 million more for fuel than was proposed in March, but Septa spokesman Richard Maloney says riders aren't paying more for fares because there are more of them sharing the cost:

"What we're seeing is an increase in ridership of about 13 million riders, year-to-date, and this is attributable almost exclusively to the increase in the cost of gasoline.  People are leaving their cars and getting on public transportation."

He says the Regional Rails, powered by electricity, are seeing the biggest jump in ridership. Electric power costs more too, says Maloney, but the increase is not as steep. 

Septa is expecting delivery of 400 diesel-electric hybrid buses in the next year or so.

(Photo by KYW's John Ostapkovich)