Even with higher diesel expenses, district holding up well

URBANA – While the rapid increase in fuel prices might be boosting ridership, the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District is also being squeezed by rising diesel fuel costs.

The district's most recent purchase of diesel fuel was at $3.83 per gallon. Spending on fuel this fiscal year, for the first nine months through March 31, stands at $1.5 million. That's $373,000 more than the same period last year, and $115,000 more than the district had budgeted, according to MTD Managing Director Bill Volk.

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