Skyrocketing diesel fuel prices plus declines in state revenue because of falling fuel sales are a double whammy for Bay Metro Transit. General Manager Mike Stoner says he and the board had to decide what to do with routes for the Bay City based bus service.

Stoner explained that regular Saturday and Dial-A -Ride service would be eliminated in the fall along with pick up's for parochial and school of choice students. Stoner added that amounts to around a 15 percent cut in service plus a savings of 30 thousand gallons worth of fuel.

These changes along with planned fare rate increases beginning in September are expected to eliminate a projected $525,000 deficit in next year's budget.

Bus fares will be going up for adults who will pay a dollar instead of 80 cents while students will pay 75 instead of 60 cents.